PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 1 Samuel 7-8
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“You will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen.” (1 Samuel 8:18)
The people will get the leadership they want.
But will the people want the leadership they get?
God allows Israel to have a king, to go their own way.
God allows human rulers to rule, as bad as that can get.
Samuel’s warning here applies to all rulers, including ours today.
Power goes to their head, and eventually we cry for relief from them.
God allows us to have our own way, but also steps in to help.
God uses the king they begged for to show them their folly.
He also raises up a line of kings that eventually leads to Jesus.
Jesus becomes the human king we need, who brings us back to God.
As a Jesus follower, I admit that I am just as flawed as others.
I wouldn’t recommend following me as a leader either – follow Jesus!
I fear we (the church) are repeating Israel’s mistake again.
Don’t trust in leaders or politicians; follow Jesus and the Jesus Way!
PRAYER
Lord, this warning is for all Christians who are promoting or defending religious and political leaders. May these words not come back to haunt us!
“Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” Samuel/God were rejected – they want an earthly king. We often reject God as well and want to do things our way. We spurn God’s will. That’s the whole human sin condition – seeking our will not God’s – and there is a price. It took Jesus to break that and it takes Jesus working in us with His Spirit to help daily break that selfish cycle and be kingdom focused. Lord help me to turn each day and follow you!
Ebenezer. Thus far the Lord God has brought me. I need to see that each day anew that He is my Guide as I live for Jesus. It is not my own power or strength that has brought me thus far, but His grace. I daily need his hand to direct my path in following His way. Lead me and guide me Lord. You are my King.
Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God’s own choosing.
You ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same;
and he must win the battle