I don’t need an earthly king
1 Samuel Chapter 8
In Chapter 8 the people of Israel go to Samuel asking for him to appoint them a king. They tell Samuel that he is growing older and that his two sons are not following his ways so they can’t trust them to one day be their guide. They tell Samuel that they need him to appoint someone over them to ensure they follow the correct order and to judge them.
Samuel is not happy with this request of the people so he turns to the Lord and asks Him for guidance. In verses 7- 10 we see the Lord answer Samuel and tell him to appoint the people a king. He tells Samuel it is not him that the people are turning from but the Lord. The bible says the Lord tells Samuel that the people turned from Him when He brought them out of Egypt and turned to false gods, and now they seek a king to be their guide. The Lord instructed Samuel to warn them of what having a king in their life would mean, but if the people wanted still wanted a king to grant it to them.
The Lord was the King of the people, but the people of Israel wanted a king they could turn to. A king they could see, hear, and follow. So, the Lord told Samuel to give them what they asked for but to give them a warning of what all could come from being under the rule of another King. Samuel went to the people and tried to explain to them that if a king was appointed over them then they could become slaves to their own land, their children could be called to serve the King, they could lose the crops of their land, and be expected to pay taxes. Samuel tried to warn the people of Israel that they would soon regret seeking out another king to follow. But, the people of Israel said in verse 20 that they wanted to be like all the other nations and people that have a king. A king to judge them and fight their battles for them.
A king to judge them and fight their battles for them. To offer guidance to them. An earthly king to be everything God was trying to be for them, but they failed to recognize and accept.
Are you seeking an earthly “king” today? This doesn’t have to be an actual ruler on a thrown wearing purple clothing and crowns. This can just be someone we are seeking above or before God for guidance and wisdom. Who are we looking for today for correction of actions or direction to take? Who are we asking for help when we are struggling. Are we following the influencers on social media to determine how we should dress, what we should shop for or what cars we should buy? Are we turning to friends for advice on big life choices?
Granted as humans we desire and need a physical connection with others around us, and I don’t think we just can’t talk about things with those who are in our circle. However, we must make sure we are not seeking an earthly king- someone to tell us what we should do or what choices we should make. Jesus laid down his life on the cross for our sins so that through our salvation we have a King! We are a child of most high king. God is there to provide us with wisdom and guidance. God is there to give us correction through conviction. God is there to give us peace and support through our trouble and deliver us. We have all the king we need today just like Israel had all the king they needed as well. Let’s make sure we are not failing to recognize and turn to our true King as He is everything we need.