Read: 1 Samuel 8:1-9:27; John 6:22-42; Psalm 106:32-48; Proverbs 14:34-35
Samuel and Eli both had sons that were evil. Samuel’s sons, Joel and Abijah took bribes from the people and distorted justice. Samuel was the last judge and the people were demanding a king since Samuel’s sons were not like Samuel. Samuel took their request before God who told him to listen to all the people were saying because they were not rejecting Samuel but they were rejecting God.
Samuel warned the people of what a king would require of them. He would take their sons and make them serve in his army. Their men would serve him as gardeners and women as perfumers, cooks, and bakers. He would take their best vineyards and olive groves for himself and a tenth of their grain and vintage for his officials and attendants. He would take from the people their best servants, cattle, flocks, and donkeys. They would all become his slaves in the end.
The people refused to listen and wanted a king so they could be like all the other nations. They wanted a king to lead them and fight their battles.
When we walk out of God’s will for us and choose what we think is best or what we want it always starts out looking great. Little by little, we lose ground until one day we wake up and realize the devil has taken everything from us. This is just how he works…it’s a slow decline from light into darkness. Our Psalm for today explains the whole rebellion in the wilderness. They rebelled against the Spirit of God and refused to kill the people in the land. Instead they mingled with them and adopted their customs and their gods. They wanted to be like all the other nations which is a temptation we still fight today. The temptation to “fit in” is in opposition to God. God set us apart for God’s workmanship. We are never to look like the world.
God sent what they asked for. He gave them a king that looked just like they would want. Saul was taller than any other man and handsome. His name means “requested” - the people requested him.
In John, we find the people totally perplexed that Jesus would be on one side of the lake that night and the next day be on the other side. They had just witnessed Jesus make a feast to feed a multitude from a single sack lunch and were ready to make him king. He could end poverty and the food shortage for sure. Jesus explained to them that he was the bread of life and that if they came to him they would never be hungry. The people had a hard time with this saying because they only had natural eyes and heart. They were spiritually blind and depleted.
Lord, help us to seek your kingdom over the one we can see with our eyes.
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