Main Verse: 1 Samuel 8

Good morning and Happy New Year 2025!

It took approximately 380 years before Joshua and the elders passed away until Israel demanded a king (Bible Insight). The Lord had prophesied to Samuel about Eli’s sons’ transgressions and how Eli had failed to discipline them when they defrauded the people; because of this, Eli’s family would not continue in the priesthood. Fast-forward 40 years, and Samuel is in the same predicament as Eli was, except this time, the people insist that Samuel set a King over them like the nations around them. While the request was legitimate, and provided for in the Book of Deuteronomy, there would be tradeoffs some of which were less than appealing. Because the people insisted on having a king despite the Lord’s warning, a king was what they would get.

“Fear” plays a pivotal role in this chapter because the elders feared who might be the next judge when Samuel passed away. The people had forgotten how the Lord provided for their needs, including leadership, at every critical juncture when they kept their eyes on Him for example Joshua, the elders, and every judge from Othneil to Samuel (Genesis 22:9-14). Fear compels us to make unwise decisions, as in the case of the elder’s request,  thinking “There is no other way”. My encouragement for you today is that no matter what situations are confronting you, do not lose sight of this fact, “Never will leave you, never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5, Deuteronomy 31:6). Trusting is hard for humans especially when we have been used and abused like Eli’s sons did to the people in the name of the Lord. I encourage you to place your dreams and desires in God’s hands and allow Him to work them out for you.

I.H.S.

MK

Father,

People have lost faith in You not because of something You have done but because of what people have done in your name. When Eli’s and then Samuel’s sons misused their allotted position, the nation couldn’t help but be afraid that they were in for more trouble so they asked for a King. Today we are on the same course as Israel was in Samuel’s time, “We are looking for something different” but refuse to be obedient to what is required of us. I am powerless to change the decisions I have made much less convince people to make good decisions. I am empowered to live for You by walking in obedience to Your Word today (Hebrews 4:7). When life becomes tough and the roads are all uphill, please lead me to the Rock that is Higher than me (Psalms 61). Please help me to stay in Your Word.

In Jesus’ Name