There is less than a week left before the election of a new President. The political climate has been extremely tense with frustration and anger amongst people, escalating at times into violence. Voters have expressed concern about the voting process related to possible suppression of votes among certain minority populations as well as perceptions of intimidation tactics. Both Democratic and Republican constituents believe that their nominee will be the one to make everything better. The thinking is and has been regardless of who is running for office in any given year, if we just elect the "right" person with the "right" policies the country's challenges will be resolved and everything will run smoothly. Sometimes the expectations people have and the pressure placed on a presidential candidate almost feels like electing a king to take full control of the country. The idea that any human being is able to fulfill all our needs and expectations is unrealistic. The only One capable of fulfilling our deepest need, which is spiritual, is God. However, today there appears to be little interest or belief in God or what He has done for us in Jesus Christ.
History Repeats Itself
We read about a similar situation in 1 Samuel 8:1-22. The Israelites had been experiencing fear from the threats of the Philistines. Additionally, the Philistines had captured the Ark of God. Moreover, the Israelites had demonstrated unfaithfulness to the Lord and pursued foreign gods. In response, God called and raised up the prophet Samuel to lead the people. Samuel challenged the people to return to the Lord and stop their idolatry if they expected to be delivered from the Philistines. The Israelites repented and returned to the Lord with their whole hearts and became obedient to His will. As a result, Samuel led the people resulting in a victory over the Philistines. However, years later after Samuel was well advanced in age, his son's were appointed as leaders over Israel. Unfortunately, Samuel's sons did not follow in their father's footsteps and engaged in behaviors that were contrary to the laws handed down to the people through Moses. In their anger the people rose up and demanded new leadership. We read in 1 Samuel 8:4-5, "So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, "You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have." (NIV) The text indicates that Samuel was displeased with their request. He may have wondered how the people could dare to make such a demand after all that God had done for them through delivering them from their enemies. Samuel's response was to go before the Lord in prayer. "And the Lord told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king." (1 Samuel 8:7 NIV italics mine) God went on to tell Samuel to share with the people all the negative consequences that would result if their request was granted.(vv.10-18) Unfortunately the people did not take seriously what Samuel shared and insisted they have a king so they could be like the other nations who had kings that led their people, went before them, and fought their battles. (vv.19-20) The Lord in His grace told Samuel to grant the people's request perhaps to Samuel's surprise. (v.22)
We Need A True King
The rest of the book of 1 Samuel plays out the result of God's warning to the people. When the true King is removed from the picture, the outcome is disastrous.The political unrest in our nation coupled with ongoing violence and underlying racism is the result of hearts that are hardened towards God. He has provided us a King called Jesus who was willing to leave behind the glories of heaven, live among us, and die for us. Moreover, this King rose again from the grave to give all who commit to following Him eternal life and residence in an everlasting kingdom. Yet, like the Israelites, people choose to reject Him and seek to be like all the other nations who have placed their hope and trust in a leader who is just as fallible as the people they are leading. Some world leaders are ruthless and although elected by the people, they operate like a king using their power to oppress and suppress any attempts to overthrow the government. We can be thankful that our system of government has checks and balances towards avoiding dictatorship. However, as long as there is an insistence that we don't need the King of kings and Lord of lords, hearts will not change and circumstances will remain chaotic for years to come. So, who is your king? The choice we make has eternal consequences.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Pastor Sheree
