Rejecting God As King: Keeping Up With the Middianites

                                    By: Timothy E. Davis

"Give us a King like all the other nations have", they pleaded.  Samuel was terribly upset, and went to the Lord for advice.  "Do as they say," the Lord replied, "for I am the one they are rejecting, not you-they don't want me to be their King any longer."  I Samuel 8:5-7 (TLB)

In the history of man, we have always wanted what someone else had.  Whether it is your neighbors swimming pool, his pretty wife, or his bank account, covetousness has always been a reflex for us.  God knows what kind of danger covetousness can cause to your soul, and that's why it is prohibited in the Ten Commandments.

"You must not be envious of your neighbors house, or want to sleep with his wife, or want to own his slaves, oxen, donkeys, or anything else he has.  Exodus 20:17 (TLB)

The Israelites are sinning by asking for a King.  They are sinning not just because they are firing God as their King, but they are commiting the sin of covetousness. They are looking upon the other nations, with their kings, and wishing they had one. 

God's favored people, led by Jehovah Himself, through so many trials and tribulations, want to exchange that for a man they can call their king.  They will get their wish, but reap a bitter harvest for their foolish request.

Tomorrow in  Rejecting God As King: Keeping Up With the Middianites Part II, we will learn about the first king of the Jews, Saul.

Copyright 2008 Spotless Lamb Ministries, Inc.

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