I Samuel 16:4
‘So Samuel did what the LORD said, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the city came trembling to meet him and said, “Do you come in peace?”’
This is an interesting response. They were afraid of the prophet coming to their town. Were they living in a manner that might invite harsh words from the prophet? Would this have been the response of any town?
Samuel was the last prophet of his kind. This was so because the people demanded to have a king. Israel was a nation whose god was the Lord. He was their ruler. The prophet spoke for the Lord. Depending on whether the people followed the Lord and walked in obediance to the Ten Commandments determined if the had good or bad news. They got what they deserved.
The townspeople were anxious at Samuel's arrival. This would make one think that they were living an ungodly existence. Part of this is understandable, as we are human and get it wrong on ocassions. Even if we are following the Lord, we still sin. So, if we don't know the Lord's mercy, we could all feel guilty on some level.
If one knows the Lord, then they wouldn't feel guilt. Even though Jesus hasn't come yet and the fulness of the gospel hasn't been revealed, the old testament saints had a good relationship with God. David is a great example. His psalms show that he understood how merciful and loving God is. Granted he was a special individual whom the Lord used to bring insight about God and His mercy. The Psalms are an amazing portion of scripture that the Lord used to reveal Himself to us.
Back to Samuel's visit. Some in town probably had a tight relationship with God. Many probably were commandment obeyers, but not greatly into it. There were probably others who were considered sinners. Any town is a mix. So, some may have felt great concern over Samuel's coming. Others may have been excited.
How do we choose to live? Some put off faith until they are much older. This is not advisable. Jesus told a parable about the rich man who lived this way. He ended up dying that night (Luke 12:17-21). Why live with a haunting concern? Get right with God now.
True, we won't be able to live in a manner that we want, but it would be more satisfying. The Lord knows us better than we know ourselves. His plan for our lives would bring us greater joy and contentment. We do go through periods of pain as we learn to give up moderate things. In time we learn that the things the Lord asks us to give up only caused complications. Learning to give things up causes freedom.
The people of the town of Samuel's visit had relationships with God at different levels. Some were tight with God, some weren't. Others were at different levels in between. They would have been a sampling of society.
Lord, help us to live in a way that doesn't hold back. Help us to trust You as things are pealed away. Help us to be free from things and bound to You.