October 17, 2023
Topic: CHILDREN OF ISREAL DEMAND FOR A KING PART 2”
Text: I Samuel 8:1-8
Memory Verse: Psalm 119:71 – It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I may learn your statutes.
Rejection can be quite painful, when it is work related. We can tolerate it but when it is from family members, it cuts very deep.
In my early work life, I had the experience of knocking on doors to advertise my company’s services. The expression on some people’s faces is even more painful than the fact that they are not interested in the service you are offering. However, when a family member expresses the sorrows of rejection from a loved one who has severed ties for one reason or the other it can be more painful. The memory of good times you had with such family members comes to mind often and the feeling is always sad.
Unfortunately, just like the children of Israel, we also reject God in various ways. When we choose to carry all the worry and anxiety on our shoulders, we are rejecting God’s help to bear our burdens for us. When we follow our own path and abandon God’s ways, we have rejected God. When we turn to man for help, we have clearly said that God is not able to help us.
God concluded that the children of Israel have always been rejecting him by forsaking him for other gods. God was displeased by such acts, and we should learn from the example of the children of Israel.
The story of the prodigal son comes to mind; he sought for his inheritance prematurely and left home with it. How sad the father must have felt to have lost a son to worldliness. Yet in his heart, he longed for his son to come back home. No wonder the father celebrated his return with so much fanfare.
We therefore need to think through our decisions and actions sincerely. God is willing to forgive us if we confess our sins. God still allowed Israel to have the King they desired, though He told them the consequences of having a King. God is ever so merciful even when we know that we made the wrong choice, his permissive will helps us to cope with our decisions. God will not overlook our sin but even as we face the consequences, he still extends his grace to us.
Maybe you have gone on the wrong path, yet God is still showing you mercy today. Let your heart resonate with praises, He will see you through and restore you to fellowship. In addition, you may have a loved one that has rejected your love, lift that person before the Lord, the hearts of kings are in his hands.
Prayer: What can I offer to you Lord but praises? For you show forth your love in all circumstances. I know that I have wronged you in the choices I have made, but according to your word, show me your mercy. Restore unto me the joy of your salvation and renew a right spirit in me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen