PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 1 Samuel 11-12
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“You will realize what an evil thing you did when you asked for a king.” (1 Samuel 12:17)
God created humans to rule with Him as His partners, His royal family.
When humans sinned, they were rejecting God and following another way.
Israel rejects God by asking for a king; God graciously gives in.
For Israel, the ‘king’ was God’s humble accommodation of their sin.
God gives us what we want, and allows us to experience what that leads to.
He uses the human king to show them how bad life is without God.
But God also uses the position of king to rescue and restore humans.
Jesus comes as a son of David (i.e. king) to be a God-like-ruler.
Jesus is God’s humble accommodation to our weakness, to help us.
He shows us how all of us were meant to live, to love and to lead.
He comes to restore us as God’s royal family, and to rule like Him.
But He does not rule like a human king; He rules like God… “very good!”
To reign with, like and for Jesus, we live as humble, loving servants.
Will I accept and follow this God-like king, or will I choose my own way?
PRAYER
Lord, our world would be a better place if we followed You as king – living, loving and leading like You! Help us to realize how bad it is to follow any other ‘king’ in this world.
The captain of a ship or airliner may be in charge – but even he has to submit to maps and navigation to be able to direct the ship/plane to a place of safe harbour/landing. King Saul was established and started out well – but when he forgot where his strength came from and put himself in that place – he lost it. I too, when I think I’ve got it – and do things on my own – lose as well. Jesus, you are the source – guide my hand – that I might do; guide my thoughts and channel them to you – keep me from being distracted – either by myself or by the world around me.
‘Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.’ Follow Him. He reigns.
And as I follow Him I need to continue to pray for the ‘kings’ of this world that they too do His will an follow His voice. We all need to serve the Lord with all of our heart. Not my will, but Yours be done.
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from Heaven above
With wisdom, power and love
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from Heaven above
With wisdom, power and love
Our God is an awesome God