RPG Adults
ISRAEL ASKED SAMUEL FOR A KING
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23
1 Samuel 8
1 Peter 2:13-17
“Submit yourselves to
every ordinance of man
for the Lord’s sake.”
ISRAEL ASKED SAMUEL FOR A KING
The sons of Samuel were judges, yet they misused their office. They were entrusted with a responsibility, but they yielded to the temptation to sell justice. Such a situation is not uncommon even today, but it comes with negative consequences. It is immoral to do so. The concern of the elders of Israel was valid.
It is imperative to abide by the Law of God, whether in public service or in private. The Westminster Confession of Faith, in a statement on civil government, says that it is lawful for Christians to accept and carry out the duties of a public office when called upon to do so, in which case, it becomes their responsibility to maintain justice and peace in accordance with sound laws of kingdoms and states they serve. Men of God in every generation and nation are thus admonished to heed this responsibility, and this was what the sons of Samuel needed to do. More reactions to their conduct followed as the elders raised their concern.
Israel asked for a king and Samuel was not pleased with the request. He perceived that it was not the will of the Lord for the nation to have a king. He prayed to the Lord about it. The Lord’s will was agreeable with Samuel’s concern. In asking for a king, Israel in effect was rejecting God as their king. It had been nearly four hundred years since Israel came out of Egypt, and the Lord had been their king all along. Nevertheless, the Lord told Samuel to hearken to their voice, for they had not rejected him but the Lord. He pointed out that their main problem was sin. They faced the temptation to serve other gods. God told Samuel to protest solemnly against their request.
The Lord agreed to their request, but He chided them because such a move was out of pride, and they were not fully trusting Him. Samuel conveyed the Lord’s message, and told them the negative aspects of having a king. It is always wise to seek and confirm the will of the Lord.
THOUGHT: God’s will for every nation is the best will.
PRAYER: Father, bless our land and nation.