Overview of: 1 SAMUELToday's Reading:
1 Samuel 8:1-22
"Israel Demands a King"
Focus Verses: 1 Samuel 8:6-9,19-22
6 But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. 7 And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. 9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do." - - - 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us. 20 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." 21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, "Listen to them and give them a king."
Insight:
In Samuel's old age, the people of Israel were once again turning away from God. Even his own sons were corrupt and selfish and did not walk in his ways. Rather than seeking God or listening to Samuel, the people were sure they needed a king. They thought that would make them like other nations and fix everything. They imagined a king who would fight their battles and solve their problems. They were unwilling to heed any warning of how a king could actually make their life worse. And since they would not listen, God gave them what they wanted.
Response and Action:
How many times have I looked to something other than God to solve my problems? It is so easy to look at the world around me and think, "Maybe if I did things the way they do them, my life would be better, easier, or safer." Rejecting God and his ways, however, is never the way to go--even if God is willing to let me go that way. Getting my own way may not really be best, what I need, or what want. I will be careful to seek God with my whole heart, listen, and always turn to him first for the direction I need.
O God, help me to keep my eyes on you. Help me to not envy the wicked or put my faith in the ways of man. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God, my savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.
Proverb for Today: Prov. 15:21
"Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course."
New Testament for Today: Colossians 3:2
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
In Context: Colossians 3:1-17
Recommended Reading:
Jesus: Lord and Savior
by F.F. Bruce
