learning DAILY

1 Samuel 8:9 Now therefore, heed their voice.  However, you shall solemnly forewarn them, and show them the behavior of the king who will reign over them.

You have no doubt heard the expression “be careful what you wish for”.  This might apply to the elders of Israel.  Are you sure you want a king like the other nations?  Remember yesterday it was mentioned that the people believed their troubles and defeats were due to inadequate government.  Samuel was not happy about this demand and prayed for God to direct him; God directed him to appoint a king. But first he was to give warning about what they could expect from an earthly king.  Samuel knew that rejection of God as King would result in bad consequences for the nation.

1 Samuel 8:11-17 gives some of the things the king would do.  The king would draft an army – kings like to go to war for a variety of things.  The king will direct some to plow the field and reap the harvest while others will make weapons of war; he will take the people’s daughters to work as cooks, bakers, perfumers. The king will pervert justice, collect taxes, and take the youth and the people’s animals to serve him. 

Be careful what you ask for!  Israel had 43 kings over a 450 year period and only eight followed the Lord.  A human leader did not solve the problems the elders desired to solve – more were created.  Although it was not God’s wish to give Israel a king at this time He did so; this time is an example of His permissive will.  The question is why?  Perhaps He was showing the need for His perfect kingdom and preparing the way for His Son to come to explain what the kingdom of God was like.  Or, perhaps He was teaching the people that no type of government on earth will solve the people’s problems nor will it guarantee peace and safety as long as sinful people exist. 

That brings us to today.  There are those who are telling us, forcing us to believe that the Marxist-Socialist type of government will solve all our problems (I’m going to try really hard to be calm and brief here!).  They believe that the government should be the one to tell people what to produce, when to produce, and how much to produce.  The people should have equal amounts of money because that is true equality.  They want the government to control health care because it could then decide who gets what treatment.  Racial equality would then be guaranteed.  And by the way the leaders of this government do not need a police force because people would be happy because they are all equal.  Let me use a Greek word I just learned Rubbish – when translated to English means stupid (I think).

The Bible and history show us that when leaders who do not depend on the Lord come to power, that power corrupts and their governing does not benefit the people equally.  Every time a utopian society or Marxist-Socialist government has been tried it has failed.  God tried to tell the Israelites that government apart from His leading fails.  Why do the people of this country believe differently? 

The answer lies in not knowing history and throwing God’s Word in the trash.  People need to figure this out before God brings judgment.  He did in Israel, His chosen people.  He will to this country as well.

And, I did not even get to why God places who He does into a position of leadership – maybe tomorrow!

  

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