There are examples in the Bible for every day in our lives. One of the things Christians do every day is make specific requests of God. We’re not the first to do that, and today we’re going to look at something Israel requested of God’s prophet, Samuel:
And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. (1 Samuel 8:5 KJV)
The people were concerned that if Samuel’s sons served in the place of their father that things would really go down hill.
And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. (1 Samuel 8:3 KJV)
This was a repeat of Eli and his sons. Israel did not want this repetition, They wanted a change. Instead of asking the Lord for His choice, a right priest, a holy prophet, Israel asked for a king, so they could be as the other kingdoms around them. This was not God’s plan. Samuel knew that, but although he was displeased, Samuel took their request to the Lord:
And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. (1 Samuel 8:7 KJV)
They got what they asked for, and within a generation Israel reached the height of its Golden Age under David and Solomon. But what would they have received if they had stayed within His will? We’ll only know in eternity.
Now, back to us in our daily lives. Do we continually make requests of God based on what we want, where we want to be, what we have in mind? Instead of listening to His plans for us? What are we missing that would have come to us in His plans?
We’ll only know when we pray, “Thy will be done,” not mine. So – how do we know what He has in mind? We have to stay in touch. Samuel made the commitment to his people:
Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: (1 Samuel 12:23 KJV)
We can do for ourselves what Samuel promised to do for Israel – pray without ceasing and learn the good and the right way. Where do we find that? My first suggestion is to read your Bible and pray.
Oh, my – isn’t that what I’ve been suggesting for years now? Yep, it’s always the right message!
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