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Eli, a former judge of Israel, along with his sons, faced divine judgment due to their corruption and exploitation of the people. In ancient Israel, judges were not only legal authorities but also military leaders chosen by God. The story shifts to Samuel, Eli’s successor, who served faithfully as a judge but appointed his own sons to follow him. Unfortunately, Samuel’s sons were corrupt, accepting bribes and distorting justice, similar to Eli’s sons.
Israel’s Request for a King
Concerned by the corruption of Samuel's sons, the elders of Israel gathered at Ramah to request a king, stating Samuel’s age and his sons' unsuitability as reasons for the change. This request reflected the people’s desire to be like other nations with a monarchy. Samuel was upset by the request, viewing it not as a personal rejection but as a rejection of God’s leadership. God, understanding this, instructed Samuel to heed the people’s demand but warned them about the consequences of kingship.
God's Warning and Leadership Model
God allowed the people to choose a king despite it being a rejection of His direct leadership. God had predicted this in Deuteronomy, specifying that a king should not accumulate wealth, power, or many wives, and must remain humble, copying and reading God's law daily to prevent arrogance. The king’s role was meant to be one of servant leadership, as defined by God’s principles, unlike the typical leadership seen in other nations, which was often about control, wealth, and authority. The king was to be accountable to God's authority and was expected to lead with humility and self-discipline, grounded in daily reflection on God’s word.
The Consequences of Kingship
Samuel warned the people that a king would impose burdens on them: their sons would be drafted for war, their daughters would be taken to serve the king, and their best fields, crops, and livestock would be appropriated for the king’s officials. The king would demand taxes and enslave people through indentured servitude. Samuel cautioned that the people would regret their request, but God would not help them when they sought relief from the king's oppression. This prediction is fulfilled in the eventual reign of Solomon and his son Rehoboam, when the people's grievances about heavy taxation and labor were ignored, leading to significant hardship and oppression.
The People’s Rejection of Samuel’s Warning
Despite Samuel’s grim warning, the people persisted in their demand for a king, insisting they wanted to be like other nations. They desired a king to lead them into battle and judge them, reflecting a human tendency to trust in earthly systems over divine leadership. God ultimately granted their request, and Samuel agreed to appoint a king, sending the people home. Today we see this universal human impulse to trust in systems over God, conform to surrounding culture, and make rash decisions.
Desire for a Predictable System
Part of Israel’s desire for a king was a desire for a predictable system. Unlike the sporadic appointment of judges by God, a king would provide an established line of succession, removing the need to wait on God for leadership. The desire for predictability, however, reflects a subtle form of legalism, where people prefer systems they can rely on over the uncertainty of trusting God's grace. A system requires less personal relationship with God and fewer efforts to seek His will, making it an easier and more appealing option for many.
Conforming to the Surrounding Culture
The second point highlighted is Israel’s desire to conform to the cultures around them by having a king, despite God's call for them to be distinct. God wanted Israel to stand out, but the people found it burdensome to be different. Followers of God face the same pressure to conform today, whether it is from peers, family, or society at large. This pressure to "fit in" with cultural norms conflicts with the decision to follow God’s guidance, often leading to ridicule from others when they choose to follow their faith over societal expectations.
Pressure to Politicize the Church
Today we see some calling on churches to become a political force, aligning with political parties or candidates to exert cultural influence. But scripture does not call for this kind of political involvement. Jesus had followers with different political views, from Matthew, who worked for the Roman government, to Simon the Zealot, a revolutionary. The church's mission is not to wield political power but to live in harmony with diverse perspectives, even within the same congregation.
Social Justice and Internal Change
Another pressure is the call for churches to focus on social justice and societal reform. While recognizing that addressing injustice is valuable, true reform comes from internal, individual transformation, not merely through policies. Policies cannot change people's hearts, which scripture teaches can only be transformed by Christ. Thus, the belief is that changing individuals will lead to a change in society, aligning it with a more just and compassionate outlook.
Sexual Ethics and Cultural Accommodation
Many pressure churches to modify their stance on sexual ethics to align with contemporary cultural views. Some believe that softening scriptural teachings will make Christianity more appealing to non-believers. However, when scripture’s authority is undermined in this way, it loses its transformative power. Authentic engagement with the word of God is what truly draws people to Christianity, not a diluted or modified message.
Therapeutic Culture and Defining Reality
This culture focuses on subjective feelings and personal validation, leading people to define reality based on how they feel. Columnist David Brooks notes that this shift became noticeable around 2010 when mental health crises, particularly among young people, increased. Scripture teaches that feelings are not the ultimate determinant of right and wrong. The pursuit of comfort and avoidance of hardship, promoted by therapeutic culture, is contrasted with Jesus’ teaching that happiness comes from serving others, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable.
The Victim Mindset vs. Healing
There is an important distinction between being victimized and adopting a victim mindset. While people experience real pain and trauma, we can find healing and even use our experiences to help others. In contrast, a victim mindset leads to constant blame, avoidance of personal responsibility, and eventual destruction through anger. This mindset consumes individuals, preventing them from moving forward in their lives.
The Rise of "Therapy Speak"
There is a growing prevalence of "therapy speak" in modern culture, where psychological and therapeutic language dominates everyday communication. In an article in The New Yorker, Katie Waldman highlights how phrases like "center yourself" or "set boundaries" have become common, particularly among the wealthy elite who have not experienced significant trauma. This language can strip experiences of their complexity and turn therapy into a self-centered pursuit. In contrast the Bible teaches selflessness and sacrifice, citing Jesus’ words that one must lose their life to find it, emphasizing that prioritizing others over oneself is a core biblical principle.
The Consequences of Rash Decisions
Once the people of Israel demanded a king, they could not undo the decision, and it altered their relationship with God. Our decisions often have lasting consequences that cannot be reversed, even if we later regret them. Impatience, particularly when waiting for God’s provision, can lead to choices that have significant and irrevocable outcomes.
The Introduction of Saul
God chooses Saul to be Israel’s first king. He’s described as an ideal candidate, physically impressive and seemingly capable. However, hints of Saul’s character flaws—such as fear and insecurity—are revealed when he hides during the ceremony to declare him king. Despite these flaws, God uses the situation for good, demonstrating His sovereignty in shaping human history. The royal line established through Saul will eventually lead to the birth of Jesus, the savior of humanity.
Samuel’s Final Words and Israel’s Choice
At the end of Samuel’s life, he reminds the people that although they have chosen a king, their relationship with God remains paramount. Samuel’s message is clear: if both the people and their king remain faithful to God, they will prosper. However, if they rebel, they will suffer as their ancestors did. This serves as a final reminder that the choice to draw near to God is always available, and it is up to individuals to decide whether to turn toward or away from Him.