Of Kingdoms and Kings
Of Kingdoms and Kings
October 16, 2006
I Samuel 8:17-20
He will take a tenth of your flocks and, and you yourselves will become his servants. Then you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the Lord will not answer you in that day. Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel, and they said, “No, but there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like the all the nations, that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.
October 16, 2006
I Samuel 8:17-20
He will take a tenth of your flocks and, and you yourselves will become his servants. Then you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the Lord will not answer you in that day. Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel, and they said, “No, but there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like the all the nations, that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.
We humans are very interesting. We want to have the freedom to do what we want, when we want. And at the same time we want to have the protection of someone or some system over us whenever we mess up. Though this sounds like the thought process of a teenager, unfortunately, the adults think the same way.
Here in I Samuel chapter 8 the heads of the households of Israel have approached the prophet with complaints. They don’t want his corrupt sons judging over them any more. They want a king. (vs. 5) Samuel prays to God and is instructed to listen to the elders and warn them of the consequences to having a king. In today’s verses the people are insistent about having a king. God then tells Samuel to heed the request. (vs. 22)
We may apply these verses to understanding sin. I think sin has a typical pattern. It starts out being seemly harmless, costing very little. Then, as we give in more and more to “King Sin”, the price goes up. But, of course we like to justify our acts by thinking that it’s okay because “everyone else” is doing/having/saying/buying it that way. Sooner or later, “King Sin” demands its payment and you are its slave.
The kingdom of Heaven is quite different. God is the King of Creation and in Psalms 145:12b-12 we find a description of His kingdom, “And the glory of the majesty of Thy kingdom. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Thy dominion endures throughout all generations.” This time you are free from ”King Sin” and a slave to Christ. Following him gives you everlasting life.
Dear Lord God, it is hard to imagine that freedom to sin turns on us and eventually makes us slaves. In your kingdom man is truly free from sin by being a slave to your son. Help us to put this into practice today by listening and heeding your wisdom through your word, other saints in Christ, and circumstances. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
Here in I Samuel chapter 8 the heads of the households of Israel have approached the prophet with complaints. They don’t want his corrupt sons judging over them any more. They want a king. (vs. 5) Samuel prays to God and is instructed to listen to the elders and warn them of the consequences to having a king. In today’s verses the people are insistent about having a king. God then tells Samuel to heed the request. (vs. 22)
We may apply these verses to understanding sin. I think sin has a typical pattern. It starts out being seemly harmless, costing very little. Then, as we give in more and more to “King Sin”, the price goes up. But, of course we like to justify our acts by thinking that it’s okay because “everyone else” is doing/having/saying/buying it that way. Sooner or later, “King Sin” demands its payment and you are its slave.
The kingdom of Heaven is quite different. God is the King of Creation and in Psalms 145:12b-12 we find a description of His kingdom, “And the glory of the majesty of Thy kingdom. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Thy dominion endures throughout all generations.” This time you are free from ”King Sin” and a slave to Christ. Following him gives you everlasting life.
Dear Lord God, it is hard to imagine that freedom to sin turns on us and eventually makes us slaves. In your kingdom man is truly free from sin by being a slave to your son. Help us to put this into practice today by listening and heeding your wisdom through your word, other saints in Christ, and circumstances. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
posted by Karen Vaughn | 7:03 AM
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