1 Samuel 8:5 They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.”
Samuel took the rejection of the Elders of Israel personally. But God said, “It’s not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king.” Ouch. That smarts for a couple of reasons. 1. They rejected God?!? How stupid do you have to be to do that?!? (That’s irony. Humans do it all the time.) 2. It’s not all about Samuel?!? Their rejection wasn’t personal?!? Weird! (Again with the irony.)
1 Samuel 8:6 But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord.
I could write novels about the times I have chosen my will, my way over God’s. It never works out well. He uses it for my good and His glory, but I’m sure I’ve cheated myself out of some wonderful things by choosing my way instead of His. I am also really bad about taking things personally when they are not. It’s something God and I have been working on.
1 Samuel 8:7 And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.
Precious Savior, Thank You for whispering to my heart this morning. Thank You for Your love, Your grace, Your truth. Help me to choose You over my own way. Help me not to take things personally. Help me to bring You praise and glory always. Amen.
1 Samuel 8:8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you.
Have a blessed day.