Day 3

GOD OR KING?

"Nay; but we will have a king over us; That we also may be like all the nations" 1 Sam. 8:19,20

Up to this time Israel had been a theocracy, having God as it's ruler, with no king or central government. She was unique among nations. This made her a source of wonder to the surrounding powers and often a target for attack. Israel was different. Years of corruption among its leaders caused the people to lose confidence not only in them but also in God. His words in 1 Sam. 8:7 are poignant indeed coming from the Creator-King.

The children of Israel were their own worst enemies. They didn't learn the lessons of their past. When they had turned away from God disaster struck: Judges 2:1-3, 3:7-8, 4:1-2, 6:1-2 and many more. But whenever they returned to the Lord he delivered them and gave them peace and prosperity: Judges 3:9-11, 3:15&30, 6:7-12 8:28 and so on throughout the period of the judges.

God said stay separate from nations around you, Israel mingled with them. God said I will make you powerful, a light to all the world, Israel repeatedly imitated others. They wanted a king and no amount of warning (1 Sam. 8:9-18) would change their minds.

The children of Israel didn't understand the true nature of God's covenant with them. They expected him to miraculously protect and sustain them while they fulfilled their own desires. Because he didn't, they wanted a king who would.

Do you think Israel's fortunes matched their changing faith in God because he kept changing sides, or because their faith affected their strength as a nation?

Read the promises God made to the Israelites in Deut. 30, then look up the statement of God's expectations in Micah 6:8.

Lord, help me to understand and accept your leading so that you can fulfil your promises in my life.