“EMPTY THINGS”
(1 Samuel 12:1 – 14:46)
Do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. – 1 Samuel 12:20b-21
“In May of 1998, the failure of a control processor on board the Galaxy IV communications satellite caused it to rotate out of position and turn away from the earth. In an instant, 40 million pagers became useless pieces of plastic. Hundreds of retail stores and scores of radio and TV stations were also affected–all because one satellite turned the wrong way.” – (David C. McCasland, Our Daily Bread)
When we turn the wrong way, wrong things happen. It was true of God’s people thousands of years ago, and it’s true today.
Courtroom language is used in First Samuel, chapter 12. Witnesses, testimony, charges, defense. After Samuel is tried and found to be an innocent and faithful leader, charges are leveled against Israel. God delivered His people from Egypt, brought them into the Promised Land, raised up judges, and defeated enemies. Yet, still, the people of Israel turned their back, served idols and “forgot the Lord their God” (v. 9).
Finally, in fear of God’s judgment, they asked Samuel to pray for their deliverance. Samuel responds with hope and then instruction; “Do not turn aside from following the Lord … And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty” (v. 20b-21).
So much of our lives are spent on seeking after “empty things.” Bigger. Newer. Faster. Shinier. King Solomon is a monumental example of getting it wrong. His end-of-life journal, the book of Ecclesiastes, sums it up. He declares that there is nothing in the world that he wanted that he did not get – wealth, fame, power, harems, military strength, extravagance, and more. Yet the overriding lament in his final years was that all of it was all vanity. Emptiness.
Here’s the reality, in all of our puny pursuits for earth’s measly things, none has delivered satisfaction. None ever will.
Application
- Consider what aspects of your life that may have become idols – career, relationships, hobbies, etc. Establish consistent practices of prayer, Bible study, worship, and service to deepen your relationship with God and guard against earthly allurements.
Reflection
- Samuel highlights the futility of idolatry – pursuing anything that takes precedence over our relationship with God. Such pursuits lead to spiritual emptiness and separation from God’s purpose for our lives.
- Thank God that despite our shortcomings, He remains faithful. Samuel’s exhortation reassures that even after failures, returning to God with sincerity restores our relationship with Him through His love and grace.
Closing Prayer…
Heavenly Father, forgive me for my divided heart and draw me back to wholehearted devotion. Help me recognize and forsake modern idols, placing You at the center of my life. Empower me to serve You faithfully, finding true joy and purpose in Your presence. Guide my steps, strengthen my commitment, and let my life reflect Your glory. Amen.
About our Author
John A Pra was born and raised in Queens, NY and has lived almost all of his life in the metropolitan area. After graduating from Bible college (now University of Valley Forge) he entered into full-time pastoral ministry. John and his wife, Diana, have been living in Carlstadt since 1990, pastoring Cornerstone Church and now at Transformation Life Church since 2022.
John and Diana have been married for 39 years and have three children and one granddaughter (who owns them). Besides loving time spent with family, he enjoys sports, reading, travel, and the golf course.
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