Year of the Bible: Part Five of Twelve Näide

A Matter of Kingship

In these chapters of 1st Samuel, we see that the Israelites wanted to be like all the other nations, so they asked for a king to rule over them, thinking that this king would serve as a protector and defender.

God told Samuel to obey the people's voice and explained how they had rejected God as king even though He had protected, defended, and established them as a nation. He also asked Samuel to warn the people about how human leadership tends to be corrupt, prideful, and selfish.

The people still chose a king, so God appointed Saul, a good-looking man of great stature who was also insecure, prideful (with false humility), dishonest, and lacked integrity. Nevertheless, God gave Saul a new heart and placed His Spirit and boldness on him to prophesy and speak God's word. However, we see that when the time came to be proclaimed king, Saul hid in fear, still choosing to be like his old self.

Sometimes we choose to place our faith in the things or people we can see. We often compare ourselves to others and the ways they seem to be successful. We want to do what seems to work for others, not realizing that we have God in our lives. He wants to be what we need because He knows what is best for us.

Question: Are you choosing to live your life based on other people's opinions or points of view, or are you choosing God and His opinion?

Prayer: Jesus, help me remember all that you have done for me so that when I get discouraged or begin to compare myself, I remember the treasure I have in You. You are the fountain of all knowledge, wisdom, provision, and love I need. Let me fix my gaze on You, not on others or my circumstances. In Jesus' name, I ask that You will be the king of my heart and life. Amen!