Day 5

GOD'S MEEKNESS

"And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me , that I should not reign over them." 1 Sam. 8:7

The story of Israel's demand for a king and of the way in which he was selected contains fascinating insights into the character of God. Any human ruler finding himself in God's position would have fought with zeal and cunning to retain his position. If he lost he would most naturally contemplate revenge and punishment. We have seen this process in recent history, as we write the future of the communist countries of eastern Europe provide examples.

Yet we see God faced with his angry and hurt servant Samuel first reassuring him: "they haven't rejected you, they have rejected me." Then he goes on to accept the will of his people and undertakes the selection of a suitable candidate. That the Almighty God should respect the wishes of so stubborn and disobedient a people is nothing short of amazing. That he should go on caring for them and trying to lead them is staggering in it's implications.

Malachi 3:6 says "I am the Lord I change not." Often when we have strayed from God we feel rejected by him, judged wanting. Does God's attitude to Israel fit your picture of him?

There is a parallel text in the New Testament - Hebrews 13:8 speaking of the one whom God chose to demonstrate most perfectly his love for his created children. Think over Heb. 4:14-16 and 1 John 2:1,2 and consider what they tell us about God's attitude to us today.

Thank you, my God, for your incredible loving tolerance towards me. Make me sensitive to your love so I may keep from hurting you.