Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there. – 1 Samuel 11:14
When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, they were living by faith, taking possession of Canaan to fulfill the promise given by God centuries before. Trusting in God, the people were instructed to go in and take it, driving out the ungodly nations living there. After a miraculous crossing of the Jordan and before taking the first city, Jericho, Joshua commanded the men to be circumcised in acknowledgement of the covenant of God and dedication to His will leaving behind their history in Egypt. The place of this dedication was called Gilgal.
When Saul was to be crowned king of Israel, Samuel commanded the people to go up to Gilgal and renew the kingdom. This place of memorial was established to remind the people of who they were and Whom they served. No earthly king or policy should attempt to change the will of God, and so it is with the church today. The church should be a place of acknowledgement and dedication to God’s Kingdom. Greater than any single denomination or congregation, the Kingdom of God knows no end in space or time or scope. Pray with me for the renewal of the kingdom today.
Most gracious heavenly Father, Almighty God, Let this day, this year, this lifetime, be an era of renewal. By the power of your Holy Spirit and the sharp edge of your Word, may the Church be empowered and emboldened to take back the hearts and minds of the people. The flesh is indeed weak, but Lord strengthen our spirits to seek your kingdom and your will first today and every day. Amen.
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