Day 84

Wanting to Be Like Unbelievers

Read: 1 Samuel 8-11

The apostle Paul said that we are not to be conformed to this world, but that temptation is very powerful. Here the Israelites wanted to be like the pagan nations around them, each one of which had a king. God’s plan for them was that he should be their king, ruling through godly men like Samuel.

The people rightly feared the rule of Samuel’s sons. Apparently Samuel had been so busy ministering to other people as he made his circuit that he had neglected his own sons, and they had become ungodly. Let us be sure that we are not too busy to give our families the time they need.

As he so often does, God allowed his people to have their own way, even though that was not best for them. They wanted a king, so God let them have one, even though that was not his will. Though they insisted on their own way, he did not abandon them. He still loved them and cared for them. That is how God treats us and how we ought to treat others.

Saul was anointed king. Oil was poured over his head symbolizing that he was set aside and qualified for his task. This practice gives us the image of “the anointed one,” which is what the Hebrew term Messiah and its Greek equivalent Christ mean. Jesus later became the perfect prophet, priest and king. With the Spirit of God mightily upon him, Saul defeated the enemy. May that same Spirit fill us, empowering and giving us spiritual victories.

PRAYER
Father, help us to take as our model not the sinful world around us but Christ. In his name. Amen.