TUESDAY February 26, 2019

Farewell Speech

Now Samuel said to all Israel: “Indeed I have heeded your voice in all that you said to me, and have made a king over you. And now here is the king, walking before you; and I am old and grayheaded, and look, my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my childhood to this day.”
1 Samuel 12:1-2

As Saul became reestablished as king, Samuel took a back seat into retirement, he watched God work in Saul’s life. Samuel gave his farewell speech to the king and the people of Israel. He gave a tremendous speech; he spoke about his integrity before God and man––I like that!

Samuel spoke to the people about how they desired to have a king like the other nations. They had settled for a monarchy instead of a theocracy. Samuel gave testimony of himself––his life of integrity––not his children’s. Samuel’s life of integrity was an open book for all to read. He gave a full account of his life in the kingdom of Israel, which began in the tabernacle as a young child.

As a pastor or leader grows older and they near death, they will often recount their days in the ministry.  Most godly preachers prepare a farewell speech; they address their congregations in a final message, unless they die suddenly. If that should happen, people could listen to the pastor’s final message that they gave. Imagine, the Lord would be the One to prepare their farewell speech.

Many other leaders in the Bible had given a farewell speech: Moses, Joshua, David and Paul. Think about it. If you were going to give a farewell speech to those gathered around your deathbed, what would you say to your family and friends? Would it be a speech building yourself up, or would it be a humble, farewell speech proclaiming all God has done in your life? Is your life of integrity an open book for people to read?

Tranquil and happy, though very weak. My theology is very simple. I can express it in few words and they are enough to die by.
Jesus died for me. What simplicity!
~C. H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!