The purpose of this message is to see you enter into God’s blessings. That goal for most speakers is not uncommon. Unfortunately, I believe the correct method to receive God’s blessings is rarely taught. Please keep that thought in mind.

There is no doubt that our nation has fallen on hard times. The streets are becoming more dangerous, the schools have lost their moral compass, and the family, once thought to be the backbone of our country, is disintegrating. Everybody agrees that things need to be corrected. Recent evidence is seen as the political pundits build their platform in their bid for the Presidency. In exchange for your vote, these politicians promise to change our country for the better. Everybody believes they have the right solution, but what is the right solution? Please keep that thought in mind as well.

As we have been studying the nation Israel in the book of 1 Samuel, we have seen that they had fallen on hard times too. The priestly family had been wiped out for their disobedience. Thousands were killed in battle. The Philistines dominated the land. The ark of the Lord was captured and then returned as it was viewed as a liability. The Tabernacle was destroyed and the glory of the Lord had departed. Verse 2 of chapter 7 says, “All the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.” Historians agree that this was one of the most depressing times in the history of Israel.

Yet in the midst of this gloom, the reader is given a glimmer of hope. Samuel, a man who was obedient, faithful and courageous had come upon the scene and was standing in the shadows. For the previous three chapters we heard not a word from the prophet. Could it be that he now seized the moment? Could it be that he waited for Israel to reach a point of total desperation before he would “go public” and provide the remedy that this nation so desperately needed to hear? Samuel was a prophet, a mouthpiece for God. Israel, due to her extreme suffering, had finally become a listening ear.

Once again God would bring His grace through Samuel. The solution for healing that God brings to the people is simple, one word—Repentance! Hope for Israel would come through repentance.

1. THE RECIPE FOR REPENTANCE (verse 3)

Repentance was emphasized by John the Baptist and Jesus at the start of their ministries (Mt. 3:2; 4:17). Repentance is a common but often-misunderstood term in Christian circles. Fortunately, in verse 3 we have one of the clearest definitions for this essential concept found in Scripture.

So as we begin our first point, let’s examine Samuel’s recipe for true repentance. In other words, what does biblical, God-honoring repentance look like?

First of all, true repentance beings with mourning. True repentance is initiated when we are grieved over our sin. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” says the Beatitude (Mt. 5:4). We are not talking about a worldly sorrow that grieves over the consequences of sin and is easily shrugged off, but rather a godly contrition that grieves over offending the Lord (2 Cor. 7:10). We are talking about a brokenness that knows we have damaged our greatest relationship. After her rebelliousness, Israel demonstrated this in verse 2. They “lamented after the LORD.”

Lest we think God only requires an emotional response, Samuel now provides the specific steps to true repentance. Repentance starts with brokenness but always leads to concrete actions.

Verse 3, “Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, ‘If you return to the LORD with all your heart.’”

In a general sense, repentance is an action that involves turning from sin and turning to the Lord. God will permit no rivals. He expects unqualified allegiance, exclusive loyalty. Forsaking the sin and returning with all of our heart. Hating what we once loved and loving what we once hated. Exchanging the pleasures of sin for the pleasures of God. We see this concept in the remainder of verse 3: “Direct your hearts to the LORD.” “Serve Him alone.”

You see, all sin is ultimately against the Lord (Psm. 51:4). Sin drives a wedge in our relationship with God. So repentance begins with turning to God by grieving over the damage we caused. Psalm 51:17, “A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” God welcomes this broken heart, and as we draw unto God for comfort, forgiveness and restoration, the Holy Spirit helps us forsake the sin and thereby mend the breach in our relationship. This is the essence of repentance and this is the heart attitude that God desires. This process is repeated throughout Scripture. “‘Yet even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘Return to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, weeping and mourning; and rend your heart and not your garments’” (Joel 2:12-13a).

We all struggle with different sins. The areas requiring repentance differ for each of us. Possibly we need to forsake anger or complaining or gossip. Maybe it is prayerlessness, slothfulness or drunkenness. It could be sexual sin, pride or the improper use of our money. The list continues, but the call for all who claim the name of Christ is the same. “Repent (or) perish” (Lk. 13:3). God desires total allegiance. A commitment to sin is idolatry as it reveals a greater love for the things contrary to God’s character than it does a love completely sold out to our great King.

Israel had a problem with idolatry (in the formal sense) and their idols were pulling their hearts away from the Lord. Specifically, according to verses 3 and 4, they worshipped the idols of Ashtaroth and Baal. Who were they? Ashtaroth was goddess of fertility and love. In the ancient world she had her fair share of partners. The Baals were the corresponding male deities. Involvement with them meant involvement in depraved sexual rituals (Youngblood, 1 Samuel, EBC, p. 608).

It was easy, even for the Israelite to be caught up in following these foreign idols. Dale Ralph Davis put it well, “Canaanite religion exerted a powerful appeal with the sexual rites that were part of its worship. Most fun-loving Canaanites doubtlessly found the combination of liturgy and orgy highly congenial, not to speak of the convenience of having chapel and brothel at one location. It was no easy task to peel Israelites out of the grip of a cult that both asked for and approved of the offering their glands as a living sacrifice to Baal and Ashtaroth—which was their “reasonable service” if they wanted their crops to grow” (Davis, 1 Samuel, p. 73).

Ashtaroth and Baal are no longer in our culture. Though we may not worship these wooden figures, I believe we can agree that their spirit still lives under the guise of different names. And this drive for justified sexual immorality still brings the same attractiveness.

For Israel, forsaking Ashtaroth and Baal was just one example of the wholehearted allegiance that God demanded. For them as it is for us, it was a call to repentance. And for them as it is for us today, it was a promise of spiritual blessings.

The specific blessing for Israel was mentioned by God through the prophet Samuel at the end of verse 3. If the nation repents, said Samuel, “He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.”

In chapter 4 we heard the people cry, “Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philistines” (4:3)? The answer was their disobedient and unrepentant hearts. Now God promises to deliver them under the condition they turn from their sins. This promise is all over the Old Testament. 2 Chronicles 7:14, “And My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

As we have seen throughout our study in 1 Samuel, this is not to be seen merely as an historical book. These accounts were ultimately written for a theological purpose. God would bless His covenant people when they, verse 3, return with all their hearts, turn from their idols and serve Him alone. Yet this applies in a way for us today. For we know, “Whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Rom. 15:4).

God is not slaying the Philistines in our midst. He works differently with His people in the New Covenant, but God’s tender and forgiving character is the same. And His desire to bless obedience and godly living has not changed. Genuine repentance is always the proper preparation for God’s mercy. “Now return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and relenting of evil” (Joel 2:13; cf. Ex. 34:6).

2. THE REVELATION OF REPENTANCE (verses 4-9)

Well, as we move to the second point, how do you think Israel responded to this call from Samuel? Fortunately, this time, they repented! And based on the evidence, it seems their repentance was sincere.

From their example, verses 4-9 provide for us some fruits of genuine repentance.

First in verse 4, we are told they removed their idols and served the Lord alone. Until we acknowledge a total devotion to the Lord, we have not truly repented. As difficult and costly as it may be, genuine repentance is one that seeks to remove our sins and serve the Lord alone.

Second, as mentioned before, we see a brokenness over their sin. In verse 6 we read, “They gathered to Mizpah, and drew water and poured it out before the LORD.” Of this verse Matthew Henry wrote, “Their humiliation and contrition for sin, owing themselves as water spilt upon the ground, which cannot be gathered up again… They wept rivers of tears, and sorrowed after a godly sort, for it was before the Lord and with an eye to Him” (Commentary, 1 Sam. 7:6).

Third, in verse 5 they desired prayer, and in verse 6 we observe they fasted. These were both an indication that they were devoutly seeking the Lord’s face and willing to resign their will to His.

Fourth, they provided public confession. In verse 6, the nation cried out, “We have sinned against the Lord.” They did not explain, excuse or justify their sin. They acknowledged their guilt before God in the presence of others and cast themselves in the Lord’s hands for mercy.

And fifth, proof of their humility was demonstrated when they were willing to receive reproof and instruction. As the end of verse 6 indicates, “Samuel judged the sons of Israel at Mizpah.”

True repentance was achieved. The stage is now set for the Lord’s deliverance.

Verse 7, “Now when the Philistines heard that the sons of Israel had gathered to Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the sons of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.”

This is an interesting verse. For one, though they gathered for spiritual reasons the Philistines obviously believed the Israelites had something else up their sleeve. Maybe planning a little sweet revenge? As one commentator said, “For the Philistines ‘Mizpah spelled revolt rather than repentance.’” Second, we see Israel put to the test. The Philistines had just routed their nation. The same threat was at hand once again. The text says they were afraid. Would they trust God’s promises for deliverance or would they backslide, complain, despair or buckle under the pressure? A literal threat had appeared over the horizon. Would the Hebrews pass this spiritual test?

The same test is placed before us daily. Will we live the life of faith and trust in the promises of God, or will we walk by sight trusting human reasoning and worldly wisdom?

• Do I really believe I will be happier if I forsake certain sin?
• Do I really believe the Bible presents the correct way to discipline my children?
• Do I really believe the money I give on earth will merit greater rewards in heaven?
• Do I really believe I am blessed when I am persecuted?
• Do I really believe God answers prayer?
• Do I really believe it is better to give than to receive?
• Do I really believe people without Christ will suffer an eternity under His wrath?
• Do I really believe God wants me to use my spiritual gifts?

In verse 3 God promised Israel deliverance from the Philistines for their repentance. Did they really believe God was willing and able to fulfill that promise?

They passed the test. Instead of complaining as to why Samuel called the national convention for prayer, fasting and public confession, they enlisted their leader not for military preparations, but rather to seek the favor of the Lord. There was no ark or priesthood or any other religious gimmick to rely upon. Human intuition or power was out of the question. All their props were stripped away. It was a test of sheer faith – faith that God would keep His promise and deliver them from barbarians who recently brutalized them. Their desperation brought dependency on God. Armed only with the weapon of prayer, they turned to the Lord for strength.

In all actuality, because of the current Godward orientation of the people, this was the best time for the Israelites to be threatened. What Satan meant for evil, God intended for good. Though unprepared for fighting, the people were stronger because they were prepared for worshipping which permitted God to do their fighting.

Verses 8-9, “Then the sons of Israel said to Samuel, ‘Do not cease to cry to the LORD our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.’ Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it for a whole burnt offering to the LORD; and Samuel cried to the LORD for Israel and the LORD answered him” (emphasis added).

3. THE RESULT OF REPENTANCE (verses 10-14)

As we move to the third point, what was the result?

Verses 10 and 11, “Now Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, and the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel. But the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day against the Philistines and confused them, so that they were routed before Israel. The men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, and struck them down as far as below Beth-car.”

Without delay, God confirmed His word, encouraged His people and fulfilled His promise.

Verse 12, “Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us.’”

A different Ebenezer was mentioned in 4:1. That was where Israel suffered their humiliating defeat. Now ironically this Ebenezer signifies their decisive victory. In the Hebrew Ebenezer means “stone of help.”

A stone of remembrance, a common practice in the Old Testament. For it was the goal of Samuel to set up a memorial to commemorate not the dead but the faithfulness of the living God. It was a warning against those who would fall away in present unbelief. It was an ongoing token to incite praise and thanksgiving in the future. Looking back, it was a reminder that God is faithful to His Word.

“Don’t live in the past.” I hear that phrase quite often. I suppose there is sound wisdom in the admonition, but as a Christian the saying is not entirely true. It has been said, “Memory…keeps gratitude fresh and…gratitude keeps faith fruitful” (Davis, 1 Samuel, p. 77). Since we are so prone to despair and doubt God’s faithfulness in the present, His faithfulness in the past helps sustain the faith to trust His faithfulness in the future. It has been put this way: “We stand in the present but dwell on the past in order that we can be steadfast for the future” (Davis, 1 Samuel, p. 78). Samuel named the remembrance, “Ebenezer,” saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us” (7:12).

I remember one of our church’s favorite hymns, “Come, Thou Font of Every Blessing.” Phrases like: “Tune my heart to sing Thy grace” and “wandering from the fold of God” and “prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.” But what was the solution suggested by the hymn-writer to this problem we all face as straying sheep? Though eliminated in many modern versions, he wrote, “Here I raise mine Ebenezer.” Ebenezers! Reminders of God’s faithfulness in the past. Remembrance of His faithfulness in the past, strengthens our faith for the future. The hymn concludes: “Hitherto Thy love has blest me; Thou has brought me to this place; And I know Thy hand will bring me safely home by Thy good grace” (Robert Robinson, Come Thou Font of Every Blessing, 1758).

Our family has a concrete Ebenezer system. When the Lord blesses us, Julie writes those praises on little slips of paper and places them in a large jar. On a yearly basis, every Thanksgiving we read about God’s faithfulness to our family. It is amazing how much we can forget. It is amazing how much God has blessed us. That is why God desires that we have Ebenezers!

There is one Ebenezer we all acknowledge. We are commanded by Him to commemorate our special deliverance as well. We have not been saved from the Philistines, but we have been saved from His wrath by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Each month at the Lord’s Table we remember the Son of Man who was lifted up on our behalf in the past. We remember His Communion with us in the present. And we remember the promise of His glorious return in the future.

Our ending this morning is a happy one. Verses 13-14, “So the Philistines were subdued and they did not come anymore within the border of Israel. And the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. The cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even to Gath; and Israel delivered their territory from the hand of the Philistines. So there was peace between Israel and the Amorites.”

So we conclude with the mercies of God, but we must not forget that the mercies of God are a result of repentant hearts—repentance necessary to enter into a relationship with Him and repentance necessary to maintain a healthy relationship with Him.

We saw the solution for Israel. Back to my introduction, what is the solution for our nation? It is one that I am not hearing the politicians proclaiming. It is repentance. Jeremiah 18:8, “If that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent concerning the calamity I planned to bring.”

We have ignored the Lord and even considered Him offensive in the educational, judicial and legislative systems. We have slouched toward greater sin and lawlessness. Is it possible that we are presently experiencing the wrath of God in America? I am not talking about eternal wrath or eschatological wrath or even consequential wrath. I am talking about the wrath of abandonment.

As a result of rejecting of Him, three times in Romans 1 we read of God giving people over (Rom. 1:24, 26, 28) to their own sinfulness. His hand of restraining grace is removed and they catapult into godlessness as the fullness of their sinful nature is exposed (cf. Ac. 14:16).

Israel tasted God’s wrath. As I begin reading in Romans 1, verse 24, you judge for yourself if our society is presently experiencing the wrath of God.

“Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them” (Rom. 1:24-32—emphasis added).

Notice the progression? From sexual impurity to normalized homosexuality to a depraved mind. Sounds like our nation today.

What is the only hope for our country? It is the same as the only hope for the church and the only hope for our individual lives. It goes back to Israel. It goes back to Romans 1. We must not suppress the truth (Rom. 1:18) but recover the truth. We must be a people that practice and call others not to morality but to repentance and faith in Christ Jesus. That is our only hope. For in God’s economy, the remedy for restoration is always through repentance.