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The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 9 October 2024 | Stubborn Pursuit Of Earthly Desires
TOPIC: Stubborn Pursuit Of Earthly Desires
READ: 1 Samuel 8: 10-22 (NKJV)
So Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who asked him for a king.
And he said, “This will be the behavior of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint [them] for his own chariots and [to be] his horsemen, and [some] will run before his chariots.
“He will appoint captains over his thousands and captains over his fifties, [will set some] to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and [some] to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.
“He will take your daughters [to be] perfumers, cooks, and bakers.
“And he will take the best of your fields, your vineyards, and your olive groves, and give [them] to his servants.
“He will take a tenth of your grain and your vintage, and give it to his officers and servants.
“And he will take your male servants, your female servants, your finest young men, and your donkeys, and put [them] to his work.
“He will take a tenth of your sheep. And you will be his servants.
“And you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, and the LORD will not hear you in that day.”
Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, “No, but we will have a king over us,
that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”
And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he repeated them in the hearing of the LORD.
So the LORD said to Samuel, “Heed their voice, and make them a king.” And Samuel said to the men of Israel, “Every man go to his city.”
THE MESSAGE:
God through Samuel warned Israel that their desired king would portray self-centeredness, abuse of power and human rights, love of pleasure, ungodliness, reckless pursuit of wealth, injustice, etc.(vv.11-18). God had earlier pointed out stipulations for choice of godly kings when necessary (Deut.17: 14)-the king will be chosen by God, at His time. He would study the book of the law frequently to ensure godliness in character and administration. Israel’s stubborn disobedience in spite of the negative consequences is a common feature in our political scene today. People elect known corrupt persons into positions of authority so they can like others political parties, ethnic or religious groups.
Similarly, as individuals, it is disheartening that we sometimes stubbornly continue with some sinful lifestyles in spite of repeated warnings from God through the bible, teachings or the inner voice of the Holy Spirit. We often cry when we experience negative consequences but God promises that He will not hear (v.18). We must repent today and remember that the quest to be like the world is disobedience to God which will result in enslavement to the world with many unpleasant consequences. Beloved, ensure that your choices are in line with the Scriptures so that God will be committed to saving you when challenges come.
PRAYER: Father, have mercy, and deliver us and our leaders from stubbornness.
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