Reading: Judges 8-11
Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles(I Sam. 8:19-20).
The people had spoken. Despite the dire warnings of Samuel, their fervent cry had not changed: we will have a king over us; That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. In His permissive will, God acquiesced to their desire. And the Lord said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city (I Sam. 8:22).
The anointing of Saul was met with fierce rejoicing by the people. And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the Lord hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king (10:24). At last, they had a human leader in whom they could place their trust. Saul was tall and handsome (9:2). His kingly looks reassured the people that he was indeed the right choice, and this belief was reinforced when he successfully led them in battle against the Ammonites. Morale in the nation of Israel had reached an all-time high. With Saul to lead them, they were finally on the path to becoming a mighty nation!
At least, this was what the people believed. The reality was quite the opposite. And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them (8:7). By demanding human leadership, they had rejected the sovereignty of God, deliberately placing Saul as a barrier between themselves and their Creator. They were now bound by oath to serve the king (8:11-18), whether or not he acted in line with the will of the Lord. By placing their lives in the hands of a man instead of entrusting them directly to God, they had opened themselves up to tremendous risks. Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help (Ps. 146:3).
The Israelites’ fatal flaw was that they wanted to be like all the nations. Living as a nation under the leadership of God had set them apart as different and unique, a designation that they believed left them at a disadvantage. These same fears are the stumbling blocks of many would-be Christians today. They genuinely want to find a new life in Christ, but they are afraid of being considered ‘strange’ or ‘different.’ So, instead of seeking a personal relationship with Him, they attempt to do so through as many different layers as possible. They ignore the teachings of the Bible and follow after the charismatic teachings of men. They set their ultimate goal as being a forward-thinking citizen of a strong Christian nation, and they do not concern themselves with learning how to be a Christian in the image of Christ Jesus. As they strive to serve the popular god of the majority, they fail to realize that they have yet to meet God, Lord of all creation.
Howbeit in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do(Mark 7:7-8).
Thought for Today: It is natural for us to look to another for guidance, but how silly we must look, running past God to seek counsel from those as clueless as ourselves.
Christ Portrayed: Through Samuel, who faithfully served Israel as judge (I Sam. 8:1,3), prophet (8:10-18; 9:6,9,19,27; 10:1-9), and priest (8:10,21; 10:8). Jesus was the Prophet promised through Moses (Deut. 18:15); He is our Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14); and one day He will judge all mankind: For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son (John 5:22).
Word Studies: 8:3 lucre = money gained dishonestly; 8:9 protest solemnly = object seriously; 8:12 ear = plow; 9:2 goodly = handsome; 9:7 spent = used up; 9:16 captain = leader since God was the true King.
Pray For Staff:Jennifer Palafox • Country: Isle of Man (86,159) In the Irish Sea • Major Languages: English, Manx Gaelic • Religious Freedom • Protestant, Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Draw near to God in prayer with a true heart in assurance of faith (Heb. 10:22).
Optional Reading:Acts 4