Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.
1 Samuel 8:6
The allure of being like everyone else is often a mirage of something that never delivers what it promises. We look around and see others prosper and succeed according to the world’s standards and think, “If I could just be like them.” That seems rational, but it usually ends up in a series of catastrophic events that leave us wondering where the joy is in it all.
Israel faced this allure and fell headfirst into the depth of despair despite warnings from the highly respected Judge God gave to them. It was Samuel’s job to help Israel make wise decisions, resolve disputes, intercede on behalf of Israel to the Lord, and encourage them in their walk with the Lord. While Samuel served as a Judge for Israel, they faced some of their most difficult times as a nation.
And wouldn’t you know it? One of Samuel’s first issues was to settle down a nation that wanted to minimize his role and replace him with a king.
Following others is not always best
The Bible tells us that the elders of Israel gathered together and told Samuel that he was old, and if he were to die, his children would not be a replacement option because they did not have the same kind of relationship with the Lord that Samuel did. Israel was trying to justify their need for a different type of leadership and was no longer satisfied with God’s plan for them.
They looked around at other nations and their success and decided they needed a different kind of leadership. The Judges weren’t working to help Israel to win battles and secure land. As they looked around, they saw other nations ruled by kings rather than Judges.
Following others can cause eventual heartache
Samuel was upset at their desire for a king. But, I want you to notice the first thing that Samuel did. He prayed (1 Samuel 8:6). I always admire someone who becomes distraught and immediately goes to the Lord. That was Samuel. God encouraged him and eventually gave them what they wanted even though Samuel gave them a stern warning about the personal loss of being ruled by a king (1 Samuel 8:10-18).
Their appetite for being just like every other nation ruled their hearts and minds. They demanded a king for themselves (1 Samuel 8:19-22).
The end of their poor decisions is recorded in 1 Samuel 12:18-19). And I quote, “All the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel. And all the people said to Samuel, ‘Pray for your servants to the Lord your God that we may not die, for we have added to our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.'”
Samuel’s reply is priceless. He told them to follow the Lord with all their heart (1 Samuel 8:20-21).
Following the Lord is always best
Samuel ends his farewell address to Israel with words that we all should follow. “Only fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully within your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you. But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king” (1 Samuel 12:24-25.
That’s it. Following the Lord Always satisfies and never fails.