Date: 04-08-2021

Title: Leaving Well

(S) cripture:
    1 Samuel 12:7 (NLT2) Now stand here quietly before the LORD as I remind you of all the great things the LORD has done for you and your ancestors.

(O) bservation:
    As Samuel is preparing to leave, he gives a farewell address. He reminds the people of his faithfulness to them and the Lord and asked if any would dispute that. He then takes time to remind them of all the Lord had done for them and their ancestors. He also reminds them of the consequences of not following the Lord. This is a solemn address and Samuel reminds them of their wickedness in rejecting the Lord and asking for a king.

(A) pplication:
    Leaving, for a pastor, is a difficult task. Discerning when it is time to leave takes some serious soul searching and a secure ego. It is hard to admit that for a church to move forward it needs a new leader. That does not mean that the pastor is somehow incompetent or deficient. It means that the pastor has done what God called them their to do. In leaving well, the pastor should prepare the way for the next leader to come. Samuel gives a great example of what to do. In his final address, Samuel reminds the people of all the Lord has done for them to that time. He also tells them what they need to hear about their unfaithfulness and the consequences that will come. This is not to be a vindictive attack but rather a loving warning like one a father would give to his children. Today I thank the lord for this example and the opportunity I have had to use it as I left the two churches I served as lead Pastor.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, thank you for the example of how to leave well. I continue to pray for the churches I served. Amen