“But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” 21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the Lord. 22 The Lord answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.” Then Samuel said to the Israelites, “Everyone go back to your own town.” 1 Samuel 8.19-22
Samuel tried to tell them, over and over again: “You don’t want a king… you really don’t!” (My paraphrase!) But the people would not listen. They kept repeating and chanting, “We want a king over us,” and “Then we will be like all the other nations.” I can picture modern protesters on the steps of the U.S. Capitol with signs held high, repeating these and other chants for their position and against their opponents.
In the end, Samuel, who repeated all of this to the Lord, obeyed God. God said, “Listen to them and give them a king.” (At least someone listened and obeyed God that day!) After hearing enough and knowing the Lord’s decision, Samuel sent everyone back to their own towns.
Have you ever wanted something so badly that you refused to give in, and when you finally got your way, it wasn’t all it was hyped up to be? Maybe it was that car that looked good but wasn’t economical, or that girlfriend or boyfriend you thought would make you happy. Even though God was saying, “No, it’s not for you,” you still insisted on having your way.
This happens to children all the time, whose ability to discern isn’t mature enough. My own niece Charlotte is just old enough to have an opinion but too young to have perspective. At the age of five, that can be a dangerous combination if she didn’t have loving parents to guide her along the right path.
But the Israelites were not children. What they were asking for would not only shape their individual lives but their nation as a whole. They didn’t want a new car; they wanted a king. And with a king comes all manner of rules, regulations, and obediences foreign to the people. But in the end, they insisted on having their way, and God gave them over to their desires.
I pray that we ask only for what God wants us to have. I pray that God would limit our foolish asks and give us discerning hearts so we might remain in His will. Often, God’s unanswered prayers are the means by which He guides and shapes our lives. His mercy helps us choose the way that leads to life eternal. God’s refusal often results in our redemption.
So this day, seek God’s will for your life. Reject the wants and desires of this world. Seek first His kingdom and allow His Spirit to guide your steps each and every day.
“O Lord God, you are good and faithful. Come now, Holy Spirit, and allow us to walk in newness of life. Help me know the power of your love and the grace in your Spirit. Come now, Jesus, let us reason together. Help us follow your steps and hear your voice. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen