1 Samuel 8

Here is the latest from Dave Stimers, as follow-up from yesterday's sermon; as always, it's thought provoking, insightful and concise. Enjoy!

-- Paul

Amongst the saddest passages in the Bible is 1 Samuel 8. In the face of military instability the people begin to complain about the leadership of their nation. Their cited reason should stop us in our tracks. They want to be like all of the other nations. The nation that God called to be His people, a nation that was to be blessed that they might be a blessing to all of the nations now desires to be like all of the other peoples. They have lowered their goals and expectations so far from the promises that God had given to their forefathers. They cry out for a human king who will lead them in battle, and give them the victories that they expect to have. When they report this to Samuel, he is distressed. His response is to take their request to God who states, “It is not you that they have rejected; it is me that they have rejected as being their king.”

This is a point of crisis for the people of Israel. The issue at hand is their faith in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. He had promised them the land they were occupying and victory over their enemies as long as they were faithful to Him. The Israelites, however, are now asking for a king who will go out and fight for them. God is willing to institute the monarchy, but asks Samuel to warn the people of what a human king will mean. The warning is that this king will have his own agenda. He will build his own wealth, his own armies and the people of Israel will become slaves to him. Their effort, energy, and attention will be turned to serving the desires of a human king. Once again we are reminded that the people have been given a wonderful and powerful mandate to be the people of God and serve Yahweh alone. Now they face the threat of serving a human king. Out of jealousy for the other nations, the people of God who had been promised land, offspring and blessing are now thrusting their dependence upon a human king.

The people complained and demanded a change in leadership because they were not satisfied with God’s leadership. Their circumstances were not what they thought they should be. This is a challenge that remains to be an obstacle in our own faith journeys. We have certain expectations and aspirations that do not always match up with our circumstances. Unfortunately it is far too easy for us to complain or point the finger at those who are leading our businesses, churches or nations. We need to understand that Christians are called to live lives that have significance far beyond earthly success. Our lives are firmly in the grip of a loving and faithful God who is powerful and able to bring about His will on this earth. Our hope and trust is in God as we know that even when our lives do not look the way we have expected them to, God is bringing His kingdom to this earth and He desires our participation in His redemptive work. We serve a wonderful God who is faithful and trustworthy. Therefore let us respond with humility and confession, giving God the aspects of our lives that we have not trusted Him with. Finally, let us be encouraged that we have been given a great calling to be the people of God, and to join Him in bringing the Kingdom of God to this earth.

Questions for further Study:
-In Deuteronomy 17:14 and following God says that He will give the people a king. What are the requirements of that king?
-Solomon is the 3rd king of Israel. Compare his reign (especially in 1 Kings 10-11) with these requirements. How well does he do?
-In 2 Samuel 7 God makes a covenant with David and promises that his descendents will reign forever. How does this promise unfold in the Bible?
-Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. What kind of King is He? Can you find some of His royal attributes in the pages of the New Testament?
-How does the message of God’s kingship change the way that you view: your life? Your job? Your money? Your faith?
-How will you respond to the sovereignty and kingship of God?