Prayer:
Father, you are our king and our God.
For a very long time Israel was lead by Judges. Very few where self-appointed. They came when the need arose and very few passed the role on to their descendants. Their role was purely military, they were to lead the troops in battle. When the battle was over they went back to their fields.
So why did the people want a king? Especially when Samuel warns them of what a king would do in 1 Samuel 8:10-18. The answer is recorded in verse 20 “we also may be like all the nations". In every way this was exactly the wrong answer.
God chose the descendants of Abraham to be different from all the nations around them. Other nations were supposed to look up to them, to try to copy their just laws and wonderful way of life. The way they forgave their neighbours, where honest about their possessions and how they treated their servants and friends.
It seems a failing of humanity that many people tend to be attracted to the bad things in life. Paul in 2 Corinthians 11 sums it up with "For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face." It seems almost a paradox that humanity is willing to accept servitude from man, while at the same time refusing to believe that there is anyone greater then them (the whole of Marxist Communism was built on this principle!)
So back to the subject; the people wanted a king to rule over them, so they could be like the other nations. And the king they got turned out to be just like those of the other nations.
He was handsome and taller than any other man in the army. He really stood out. He had a great opportunity. Unfortunately, like most kings, he also believed that his wishes were what mattered. He took God's commands only if they suited his purpose at the time.
What he really misunderstood was that the king was to God what the people are to him. He should have understood that God's wishes were his commands and also that the king has a responsibility to server his people, not the other way around.
In this country we have both a Monarch and a Prime Minister. The words 'prime minister' means first servant, not leader.
But what we are waiting for is someone who will be an absolute ruler, but will understand the needs of his people like no one else before him; Jesus Christ.
What is the purpose of a king?
What so you understand about Saul's temper and why he went into rages?
How can any king please God?
Who is to be the king of the World?
How can we show honour/respect/reverence to him?