The Cry for a King

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Today was a fairly laid back day; I got another “walk” outside and an afternoon walk. In some ways it is hard to believe it has been three weeks since my last infection and health crisis. I am glad that I have bounced back as well as I have. One of the side benefits of surviving this crisis is resetting my occupation and physical therapy assistance. .

I am working on a couple of projects for Teen Challenge and Rocky Mountain Energy Forum. I am recruiting runners for the Colfax 5K on May 17 to run or walk and get sponsors to support alcohol and drug recovery (www.tcrm.us) I am also working on an educational webinar related to Energy in Colorado and specifically the issue of hydraulic fracturing.This will be Thursday, March 27.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…

Therefore,I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1,2

I have been reading in 1 Samuel in the Old Testament and recently read chapter 8 where Israel asks Samuel the prophet for a King. When I think of critical points in Israel’s history this is one of those shifts with significant ramifications. As we look at what leads up this request we can observe an interesting progression and some consistent failings.

I just glanced at an email blast from a friend of mine running for Governor. He pointed out the importance of leadership. Leadership for our hearts and for a nation is what we see in the desire of Israel for a King to rule over them

1 – A failure of consistent spiritual leadership

The story of Samuel is unique. He was raised in the house of Eli the priest. Eli was ineffective as a spiritual leader and judge over Israel and his sons Hophni and Phinehas were wicked and dishonest. While Samuel served as a faithful prophet to the Lord he had two sons that were more like Hophni and Phinehas than himself. When Samuel was coming to the end of his life the people of Israel sensed this spiritual void. As a result they asked for a King to lead them.

During the time of the Judges the tribes of Israel were to move into the land promised by God and to trust God to help them in their conquest. The Judges were special individuals used by God as a result of the turmoil of God’s people and in response to their cries to God for help against their enemies. They provided critical leadership and military victories but held no special office, outside of their divine calling and activity.

2– A failure to trust and obey

God planned on His people being a unique nation. One God, not many, serving and trusting and obeying fully a God who could not be seen but demonstrated His power and faithfulness to them. When Israel asked for a King the Lord told Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.”          (1 Samuel 8:7)

3– A desire to be like other nations

It is interesting that prior to Israel asking for a King there was a time of turning to the Lord and getting rid of their idols. Samuel instructed the people: “… return to the Lord with all your hearts…put away the foreign gods…from among you, and prepare your hearts for the Lord, and serve Him only…”  (1 Samu

It seemed that in spite of the victories God won for His people they were constantly falling into idolatry and accepting the practices of the (“world”) other nations around them.

Now they demand a King to rule them and here is what they say, “We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” (1 Samuel 8:20)

This response was after Samuel warned the people how hard a human King would be on them. In addition God didn’t want His people to be like the other nations. As a matter of fact He was using His chosen people to judge the people of the land for their idolatry, wickedness and immorality.

The Challenge of the Ages

It seems throughout the ages God’s people have had to face the challenge and temptation of submitting to the leadership of the Lord to reign supreme in their life. Solomon recognized it.

 “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.” (Prov.23:17)

Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company.  (Prov..24:1)

Paul the Apostle said, “ Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you.”             (Rom. 12:2 TLB)

John the Apostle said, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.”  (1 John 2:15)

The Bible says, Christians have a responsibility to be salt and light for God in the world and “ambassadors” for Christ. But too often instead of the church (God’s people) being a force for God in the world,we find the world and its attitudes and priorities captivating the hearts and minds of the church.

We need to be aware of this tendency and make sure that our hearts are fully set on serving and trusting in the Lord as the sure foundation for our lives. We should not take our acceptance from God through His grace and mercy to be over ridden by any desire to be accepted by the standards and behaviors of the “world” .