All the Desire of Israel

The Israelites desired a king like all the other nations. From all outward appearances, Saul was the perfect choice for king. Samuel knew, though, that this would divert their eyes from looking to and depending on God, but the Israelites were resolved to have a king. Sometimes God frustrates us in His love by not giving us something we desire, and other times He gratifies us in His wrath by giving us what He knows is not best for us. In the passage here, God tells Samuel to give the people what they desired, and He providentially orchestrates Saul into meeting Samuel. The people wanted an earthly king because they were depending and focused on man, instead of depending on God. Samuel, however, had an intimate, personal connection with the Lord and heard from Him, and God heard Samuel’s requests in return. You have to put your anxieties to rest so that you can hear from God. We are called to cast our cares on God. The Israelites’ desire was on Saul though, a man after their own hearts. Saul did not have confidence in himself, or in God, and always lived with a sense of inferiority. Whenever you have this sense of inferiority in yourself, do not turn to men or nations, but turn to God. May your eyes be fixed on the Lord. Examine your heart to see what your desire is on, because whatever your desire is fixed upon, will rule and reign over you. But only Christ deserves to rule and reign over us!

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