June 7, 2022
Today’s reading: 1 Samuel 8:4-5
Like other nations
We read in 1 Samuel 8:4-5:
4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, 5 and said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”
There’s no doubt that sometimes we think about what it is like to be on the other side of the fence. We look over and see that the “lawn is greener” on the other side.
We remember that as early as the death of Joshua, Israel had always been thinking of having a king. They have been fantasizing about how incredible it would be to have a king like all other nations.
They thought that having a king would make their lives better and safer. They thought that a human king would elevate their status on the world scene.
Perhaps, they have seen the impressive royal appearance of kings found in other nations around them. Maybe, they thought that if only they had a king, things would be better.
As we read in 1 Samuel 8, we know what inspired the Israelites to have a human king. They want to be like other nations!
The problem is that Israel already had a King and they have the best King ever in the entire human history. Their King is God.
Yet, they were too blind to see how blessed they were to be under the rule of God. Sadly, they only want the blessing but not the rule of Yahweh.
As a result, when they asked for a king, they were actually rejecting God as their King.
This is a subtle but shameful act of rebellion against the Most High. Samuel knew this but God allowed Israel to have their human king.
By doing so, these people would see the difference between the Almighty as their king and human beings as their king.
Surely, they will get what they want, they will be “like other nations.” However, they won’t receive the positive side of a human monarchy, but rather they will experience cruel rulership most of the time.
How about us? Do we sometimes reject God’s Authority upon us to simply fit in and become “like other nations?”
Sadly, we see this, especially during an election season when a lot of Christians, even those from the Church of God, are obsessed with their candidates. People forget that they already have a King and no matter who wins, their ultimate allegiance is to the Almighty.
Of course, the spiritual lesson here is applicable to many other parts of our lives.
The bottom line is this:
Stop looking at others for authority. God is our final Authority. Because He is our King, we will follow His commands, will, and purpose in our lives.
To learn more, please read, “12 Reasons Christians Should not be Involved in Politics.”
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