1 Samuel 8:7 And the LORD said to 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.”

February 10th, 2010 by Pastor Ed in devotional

Samuel is directed by God to describe just what will be the consequences of God’s people demanding a human king to rule over them. Since Israel demands a human monarch in instead of a God appointed one, they will get what they deserve, a Saul instead of a David. Often the Lord disciplines His children by letting them have exactly what they demand … even when it isn’t the best thing for them. Many have observed that we can choose our choices but not the consequences of our choices. The Psalmist said it this way in Psalm 106:15, ‘And He gave them their request, But sent leanness into their soul.’ A famous pastor told of a time when as a young boy he found a big, black cigar, He slipped into an alley, and lit up. It didn’t taste good but it made him feel very grown up until, that is, he saw his father coming down the alley. Quickly he put the cigar behind his back and tried to be real casual. Desperate to divert his dad’s attention, he pointed to a billboard advertising a circus. “Can I go, Dad? Please, let’s go when it comes to town.” His father’s reply taught him a lesson he never forgot. “Son,” he answered quietly but firmly, “never make a petition while at the same time trying to hide a smoldering disobedience.” That is one of the many reasons why we are better off to simply pray the Lord’s Prayer, “let Thy will be done, and Thy kingdom come.”