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KING SAUL: Politics Of Leadership

The people wanted a king to rule over them. God didn't like, Samuel didn't like it but the people demanded it so God consented. The people would get a king. Since the people of Israel hadn't had a king before they were oblivious as to what a king would do so God asked Samuel to give them a short lecture.

"... This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: he will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots." 1 Samuel 8:11

Samuel went on from there to tell them basically that they would be under a yoke to serve the king. The freedom they had over their lives, families, land and other resources was about to disappear if they made the decision for a king.

Regardless of how people friendly a king is, he requires the service of his people. The decisions that he would have to make will involve him using people. Under the era of the judges the children of Israel were compelled by the judges to do things specifically instructed by God. A king would require the people to do his bidding whether or not divinely instructed.

We must be careful to learn from the Israelites. The One who controls our lives is the Almighty God but that will only remain true as long as we want it to be. The Lord would not force anyone to be His sheep but He keeps calling all of us in love.

There are times that we are tempted to break camp and move out of the fold. In such times we must consider the question of what is truly outside the camp of God. Outside the camp is away from the cover and the abundant grace of God. Anyone outside the camp has put himself under the yoke of worldliness. To stay within is to our profit and that is where our joy is.

The Israelites' demand for a king took them outside the direct ownership of God. Are you taking steps to move out of God's ownership? I will say count the cost because no king will rule without making of his own servants.

Despite the warnings of Samuel the people insisted that they would have a king. They kept saying that they needed to be like the nations around them (1 Samuel 8:19-20). As believers we must be careful of trends around us. If one decides to follow every wave of trend and fashion then such should be prepared to suffer the consequences of being enyoked with the world. Not everything trending is profitable, be wise!

Finally God said to Samuel, "Make them a king."

The practices of the world may be attractive and even imposing but we must count the cost before venturing. The costs of godliness are no doubt cheaper, and ultimately it would lead to eternal rest. But we can't say same for those outside.

They got what they wanted but was the demand for a king in the best interest of the people?

#KingSaul 02
#PoliticsOfLeadership
- 1 Samuel 8:9-22
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