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4 Fed up, all the elders of Israel got together and confronted Samuel at Ramah. 5 They presented their case: "Look, you're an old man, and your sons aren't following in your footsteps. Here's what we want you to do: Appoint a king to rule us, just like everybody else." 6 When Samuel heard their demand - "Give us a king to rule us!" - he was crushed. How awful! Samuel prayed to God. 7 God answered Samuel, "Go ahead and do what they're asking. They are not rejecting you. They've rejected me as their King. 8 From the day I brought them out of Egypt until this very day they've been behaving like this, leaving me for other gods. And now they're doing it to you. 9 So let them have their own way. But warn them of what they're in for. Tell them the way kings operate, just what they're likely to get from a king." 10 So Samuel told them, delivered God's warning to the people who were asking him to give them a king. 11 He said, "This is the way the kind of king you're talking about operates. He'll take your sons and make soldiers of them - chariotry, cavalry, infantry, 12 regimented in battalions and squadrons. He'll put some to forced labor on his farms, plowing and harvesting, and others to making either weapons of war or chariots in which he can ride in luxury. 13 He'll put your daughters to work as beauticians and waitresses and cooks. 14 He'll conscript your best fields, vineyards, and orchards and hand them over to his special friends. 15 He'll tax your harvests and vintage to support his extensive bureaucracy. 16 Your prize workers and best animals he'll take for his own use. 17 He'll lay a tax on your flocks and you'll end up no better than slaves. 18 The day will come when you will cry in desperation because of this king you so much want for yourselves. But don't expect God to answer." 19 But the people wouldn't listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We will have a king to rule us! 20 Then we'll be just like all the other nations. Our king will rule us and lead us and fight our battles." 14 Come, let's go to Gilgal and there reconsecrate the kingship." 15 They all trooped out to Gilgal. Before God, they crowned Saul king at Gilgal. And there they worshiped, sacrificing peace offerings. Saul and all Israel celebrated magnificently. (1 Samuel 8:4-20;11:14-15 The Message Bible)
Dear Friend, please join me in praying for the family of 15 yr old Ethan Hernandez, son of Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Hernandez. and grandson to a dear lifelong friend, Robert Hernandez, and wife Corey. Ethan suffered many setbacks during his young life and died after receiving a heart transplant. May God's mercy and comfort be with all of the Hernandez famliy during this difficult time. Pray for one another. Pray for those who asked prayers from you and your church, and pray for yourselves.
"Just like everybody else," cried the crowd, fulfilling what God had said would happen. God created Israel to be a priest for other nations, meaning they were to lead by example, showing the world that instead of having a monarchy, they could have a theocracy, meaning God would be their king and through God's prophets, the rule of law would come to the land. But, the Israelites, being humans like everybody else, saw that the other nations had, namely a king, and so they wanted one too. God in His Heaven shook His head at the foolishness of this request. God had been, unlike any earthly king, perfect, loving, understanding and holy. But no, we don't want that, we want a king. They used hurtful langauge against Samuel and against God. "Look, you're an old man, and your sons aren't following in your footsteps." And then the clincher, "Here's what we want you to do: Appoint a king to rule us, just like everybody else." Samuel, as you can well imagine, is crushed, and takes it personally. But God was aware of this and tells the old prophet; "Go ahead and do what they're asking. They are not rejecting you. They've rejected me as their King." And God lists all of the history in which God stepped in and saved them.
Despite Samuel's warnings about the consequences of kingship, the people remained steadfast in their desire. God warned through Samuel of the burdens that kingship would bring upon the people: conscription (aka 'the draft.') of their sons and daughters into service, confiscation of their resources, and heavy taxation. Yet, the allure of earthly power blinded them to the potential hardships ahead.
In 1 Samuel 11, we see Saul being made king at Gilgal. The people's desire for a king was fulfilled, but at what cost? Despite their celebrations, the path they had chosen would lead to struggles and hardships they could not foresee. In an earlier passage, the only thing that the people could see in Saul was that he was handsome and taller than most of the Israelites. What more could a nation want in a leader?
Friends, as we reflect on this passage, let us consider the dangers of seeking earthly power and authority. Let us remember that true sovereignty belongs to God alone, and any human authority is subject to His divine will. May we seek His guidance and trust in His provision, rather than placing our trust in earthly rulers or systems.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, We acknowledge that you alone are sovereign over all creation. Forgive us for the times when we have sought earthly power and authority, placing our trust in human leaders rather than in you. Help us to recognize your kingship in our lives and submit to your will. Grant us wisdom to discern your guidance and courage to follow wherever you lead. May our hearts be ever devoted to you, our true King, now and forevermore. In Christ Jesus' strong name we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Reflect on areas of your life where you may be tempted to seek earthly power or authority. Ask God to reveal any misplaced priorities or desires for control. Surrender these areas to Him, acknowledging His sovereignty and trusting in His provision. Let us commit to seeking His kingdom above all else, knowing that in His presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11).
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
