Reading: I Samuel 12
My reading this morning took me to 1 Samuel 12 which is where the people of Israel had asked for a king and Saul was being presented to them. The words spoken to the people from Samuel where very telling. He begins by disclosing to them that he had listened to their voice and given them a king. This was not something that God had wanted for them. This was their desire to have a king.
Reminder of Past
As Samuel starts to speak, he first asks if they find any fault in Him. Had he cheated or oppressed them in any way? Had he received any bribes? To this the people acknowledged they found no fault in him. Therefore, he continues to share that the Lord had raised up Moses and Aaron, who took them into the land they are in today. He reminds them of all the times they had called out to the Lord and God had delivered them. He was always there for them. When they cried out, however they would slip back away from the Lord and He would allow destruction to come their way.
Our Choice
“Here is the king whom you have chosen and whom you have desired. And take note, the LORD has set a king over you.” (vs.14) God did what the people desired but it was not His choice for them to have a king. As I sit thinking about this all I can think is God allows us to make choices every day. Sometimes we choose what He has for us, but we also make choices that are based on what we want, based on our flesh instead of seeking God for guidance or direction. God will allow us to have what we want although it is not what is best. Maybe it’s a relationship, a move, or a job that we want. All I can think is that God has great plans for us all, but we must seek Him out and ask where or what He wants for us.
“If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and do not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then both you and the king who reigns over you will continue following the LORD your God. However, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then the hand of the LORD will be against you, as it was against your fathers.”
1 Samuel 12:14-15
Samuel indicates to the people what will happen if they follow the voice of the Lord or not. This is so important for all of us today. When we do not follow His voice, we can be led further off course to what God has for us. God has a plan and a future planned for us, but we must follow His voice to get there. This is when I am so glad to live under the New Covenant and no longer have to follow all those laws, constantly making sacrifices for our mess ups. Now we are no longer bound to the law, because Jesus paid the price already and has redeemed us. We are free from the binds that once held us hostage and can freely walk in the victory that is now ours.
Samuel Prays
Samuel wants the people to see what great things the Lord can do and has thunder and rain come down, so they could perceive how great their wickedness was. At this point the people ask Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we may not die; for we have added to all our sins the evil of asking a king for ourselves.” They had to go to Samuel for intercession because he was the appointed person to intercede on their behalf. We now have Jesus to intercede for us. I’m so grateful we can pray directly to the Father today without the need of going to a prophet or priest. For Jesus said, “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.” John 16:23 NKJV
Samuel stated, “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.” Samuel knew that even though the people had asked for a king contrary to God’s plan that he would still do his part and pray for the people, teaching them what is good and bad. Today we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us teaching us good and bad. When the inner witness directs us to do right, we still must choose to those things.
Remember
Samuel’s final words are so key even for today, “Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.” These words spoken to the chosen people of Israel are still to be heeded today. Our only fear should be of God. For if God is with you, who can be against you. (Romans 8:31) I pray this morning you will consider the great things Jesus has done for you. Write them down and recall them often. The enemy will try to steal these memories, but you should always keep them in front of your mind. Look what He did for the Israelites and yet they would forget and turn from God. I pray you will not forget what He has already done for you.