October 16, 2023
Topic: CHILDREN OF ISREAL DEMAND FOR A KING PART 1”
Text: I Samuel 8:1-8
Memory Verse: Joshua 24:15 – And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the river, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
“Keeping up with the Joneses” is an idiom used in a statement when trying to describe actions of certain people who try to have or do the same things as other people that they know even when they do not really have the means to do this or are not really interested in these things.
In keeping up with the Joneses, you base your actions only on outward appearances, you do not know the reason behind the actions of the other party or their peculiar circumstances, yet you go out of your way to copy them. This often leads to pressure on our resources and relationships.
The children of Israel decided to keep up with the Joneses in our study of today. They came up to Samuel to complain about the behaviour of Samuel’s sons and the solution was for him to appoint a King for them like other nations.
God had always given the children of Israel access to him as much as necessary, the judges only worked as instructed by God.
However, that was not good enough for them; they wanted to operate like other nations.
How often do you fall into the same mode of thinking that what other people have is better than yours is? She looks so happy, her home must be a haven of peace, she dresses so well, her husband must be spoiling her with gifts, he has a good car he must be very rich. All these examples point to what we see which may not be the reality of the other person’s experience.
The children of Israel decided to go with the way of the world, whereas God treated them specially. Indeed, they showed disregard for God’s lordship of their lives.
I pray that as you reflect on this bible verse, you will trust God to always make the right choices. Joshua said to the people of Israel “choose you this day whom you will serve”. Make a decision to serve the Lord always; otherwise, you will make the wrong choice, which will displease the Lord.
Spend time thanking God for being Lord over your life and confess all areas you have complained about in the past because you thought others had a better life.
Prayer: Heavenly Lord, the path of life comes with many decisions; help me to always choose for you and your glory. Let none of my choices be made just to be like another person. I know you love me and you have a special plan for me. Keep me in your will all the days of my life, in Jesus name I pray. Amen