The Third Sunday of Advent, December 11

KINGS: A BIG STEP BACKWARDS

1 Samuel 8

Long ago, God knew that the nation of Israel would ask for a king. He even gave instructions and guidelines for that king to follow (Deut. 17: 14- 20). The king was to be chosen by God. The king was also to observe all the words of the law, and to lead the people in Gods ways. But God knew the heart's intent of the people. Their request was a rejection of His authority, and likewise, a rejection of God Himself. Vs. 7—"…they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.” If we call ourselves God's children, ought we not to recognize and submit to His authority?

The people of Israel were delivered by God out of slavery in Egypt. They were called out of the nations to be a light unto those around them. They were intended to be an example of God's love and mercy, and a testimony of His faithfulness for the purpose of bringing others into the knowledge of the one true living God. But the people were asking for a king so that they could be like all the nations around them. Not a very good idea, when all the nations around them were ungodly. The first step backwards is when we look at those around us who are not following after God, and want to be like them.

Even after being warned of the demands that these kings would selfishly impose on them, they still refused to turn over their own plans and allow God to direct their paths. It is not evil in itself just to have a king—a human king can either help lead people closer to God, or away from God, or be somewhere in between. This proved to be the case throughout Israel’s history. Some kings walked in the ways of God, but some kings didn’t. It wasn’t long before God's holy standards were replaced by something far less than what God intended. The people, by casting off God’s authority, began to live out the evil desires of their own hearts. The end result was their nation was destroyed, and the people were carried away into captivity. Such is the way of following after human kings of our own choosing, even ourselves.

Despite the failure of the people, God, in his infinite mercy, had already given a promise of a greater hope. Throughout the history of Israel, God had raised up prophets. They told of a KING who was to come, whose Kingdom would never end. A KING who would be our salvation, and who would rule with righteous judgment. A KING who would always be faithful and true. A KING who would be unlike any earthly king. He would come lowly and riding on a donkey, willing to wash our feet and to be mocked and spit on. He was willing to be crucified to free us from the slavery of sin and death. Now God has set Him at His right hand, and has given Him all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28: 18). God has given us JESUS, His only Son, as KING. The world has already rejected Him by rejecting His authority. Will you? We will have no excuses, for the history of Israel has shown us, and God's prophets have told us, what the end result will be. Dan. 7: 9- 28, Mal. 4:1- 3, 2 Pet. 3, Rev. 19:11- 21.

~ Jim Krauser