Scripture to Read: 1 Samuel 8:1–22
The nation of Israel was a people whom God had chosen, but they were very stubborn and continually turned their backs on God. In the Book of 1 Samuel, we find Samuel, the last judge of Israel and a prophet of God, who anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul, and then David. God tells us why He gave Israel a king in 1 Samuel 8:4–9. Basically, the elders of Israel gathered and asked Samuel to appoint a king to judge them “like all the nations.” Samuel seeks God’s guidance and prays. God tells Samuel to listen to the people, but then to also warn them about what a human king will do. God reassures Samuel that the people of Israel have not rejected him, but they have rejected God as their King. God instructs Samuel to tell the people the rule the king will exercise over them so they understand the consequences of their decision (1 Samuel 8:10–18). The people refused to listen to Samuel’s warning and still demanded a king because they wanted to “be like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:20). Therefore, God told Samuel to appoint a king over them. There are always consequences to our decisions when we refuse to walk in obedience to our Lord and His Word. There are also times when God will give us something we’ve been begging for, only to teach us that we didn’t need it and that He is the One we should be hungering and thirsting for every day of our lives. Let’s be sure we’re pursuing Him and His Word.
Challenge & Application
What was Israel’s reason for desiring a king and what was wrong with their line of thinking?
How do we guard against wanting to “be like all the world” so that we honor and trust the Lord in all areas of our lives?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!