By Tim Dooley
In 1 Samuel 1-5 we find the corrupt sons of Eli, priests, unwilling to heed their father’s instructions. They caused the children of Israel to despise the sacrifices of the Lord. Then the Philistines slaughtered the Israelite army and carried off the Ark of the Covenant. In the midst of all this, God was still faithful to fulfill His will and keep His promises. He then providentially raised up Samuel to be prophet and priest.
Then, in chapters 6-10, Israel, who has never been satisfied with the leadership and awesome power of the Lord, desires an earthly king to rule over them. He had guided them out of bondage and into the Promised Land. He had set over them righteous representatives to lead them (Moses, Joshua, the Judges, and now Samuel), yet they continued to rebel. Now they want a king like the nations around them.
Let me posit this question, “Whose side are we on?” If we’re not on the Lord’s side we are His enemy. Jesus said He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters (Matthew 12:30). Likewise, in Hebrews 12:9 we read, Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
While we are often hard on the children of Israel, maybe God is trying to get us to see our own nature. He has provided us with divine, kingly leadership in His Son. But that isn’t good enough for most people. He is King of kings and Lord of lords! Will you allow Him to rule your life? Here’s a test… have you and are you obedient to and subject to Him?
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