Main Verse: 1 Samuel 8:10-22

Good morning!

Yesterday the trible elders met with Samuel to request or demand that the Lord provide a king instead of a judge to lead the nation. Samuel’s first inclination was to think that the request was an edict against him as to say, “It’s your fault Samuel because you did not …!” and it hurt his pride. The people were afraid of who might become the next Judge or chieftain after Samuel passed away; what they wanted to avoid was another disaster like Eli where the prophet was old and blind and his wicked sons were running amok. While the elders’ request was valid as were their concerns, it was the way they asked for it – By demanding a King “like all of the other nations around us”.

1. Appropriate a 1/10^th of the food and supplies harvested from the peasants’ garden and vineyard to give to his officers who did not work for it.
2. Would requisition animals and flocks to fulfill his needs
3. You will be his servants and, you will comply with every demand he decrees even if it means neglecting your fields and family.
4. Your young men will be drafted into military service whether they like it or not.

The reasoning for warning the people was to give them food for thought before finalizing their decision. The warnings above were not just for the first king but for every king in the line. Unfortunately, the leadership had already decided what they wanted and would not accept anything less. Once the men left Samuel’s tent, their decision was final and there would be no way of undoing their request.

The Lord’s intention for Israel, just as it is for the church today, is that they would be autonomous people whose God is the Lord (Numbers 23:7-10, Psalm 33:10-12). By making the request and refusing to change their minds, the men obligated themselves and the people they served to whatever might come as a result. As we turned the calendar a few days ago, many of you are making choices about your life maybe a decision to marry, retire, start a new career, etc. May I make a suggestion? Invite your Heavenly Father into the planning stage, allow Him to shed light on the pathway you are planning to go down, don’t tie His hands, and give Him latitude to change those plans (Proverbs 3:4-6, Psalms 119:104-106, Proverbs 19:21)

I.H.S. MK

Father,

Please help me through this year 2025 to never be so focused on what I want but to be sensitive to what you are asking from me. Help me to wisely consider the paths that I am walking on, to honor the covenant I have made with my eyes (Job 31:1), and that my ears be always open to hear your voice. You know better than I do what is best for me so I surrender my life to you. Troubles will always come to rattle my tree but I place them in your capable hands to help me to learn through them and grow in them. Please direct the course of this ministry so that I may reach people with the saving Word of God.  I pray for this nation Lord that this year be a turning point in the pathway back to you.

In Jesus’ Name