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Whereas chapter 7 celebrates the importance of leadership, chapter 8 warns us of the danger of leadership. We should read these chapters together.
The good news of vibrant spiritual leadership in chapter 7 is short-lived. Tragically, we see that Samuel’s own family (vv. 1–3) is starting to echo all the spiritual problems of Eli’s family in 2:12. We’re reminded not to put our faith in human leaders, however godly they are, as they’re tainted with the same sin problems as we are. That said, it’s also a reminder for every leader to make the spiritual needs of their own family an overwhelming priority in their lives.
The response of the people, however, only compounds the problems of leadership in Israel. Rather than turning once again to the Lord for help and guidance, they put their hope in a king like the nations around them (v. 5). They plan a spiritual coup whereby the King of kings is replaced with a puny, powerless man. Understandably, the Lord takes this rejection very personally (vv. 7–9).
It should be said, though, that it wasn’t, in and of itself, wrong for Israel to have a king. Deuteronomy 17:14–20 permitted kings in Israel and outlined how godly kingship should look. The problem here was, rather, to do with the kind of king Israel was looking for, namely, a god-like saviour who would deal with all their problems. The hope for a god-like human leader has been a dangerous thing throughout the history of the world, with dictators both inside and outside the church bringing destruction in their wake. The destructiveness of Israel’s hoped-for king is foretold in verses 11–18, yet, ironically, the people remain determined to have a king.
We should never give our hearts to any celebrity leader, pastor, speaker or writer – and certainly not to any political leader or guru. Our hearts belong to the Lord alone. We have one King, and his name is Jesus. Let’s rejoice in him, and not try to replace him with some puny human substitute.
REFLECTION
1. Why are we so drawn to setting up human leaders?
2. What can Jesus do that no human leader ever can?
Scripture
About this Plan
1 Samuel charts the rise and fall of several of Israel’s leaders. You’ll meet the notoriously arrogant king Saul and see the ascent of the man after God’s own heart – David. You’ll read of dangerous battles, murder plots, giants and even more surprises in this book. You’ll see that despite turbulence in leadership, seemingly strong enemies and spiritual decay God is very much at work orchestrating the fall of the proud and the rise of the humble. What an encouragement for us today when we are faced with challenges not too dissimilar to these!
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