1 Samuel 8 - You thought You Were Right?

When Samuel became old, his two sons became judges, yet they were corrupted and they turned away from God. It is normal that the elders of Israel were unhappy, because Samuel's two man were unmoral to the people, especially they were in the leading position. However, the elders thought the problem can be solved by following how other nations did, which is to set a king rule over them. They compared how others "success", but yet in a way, the elders were as well turning away from God because they no longer depended on God. That was why they unpleased Samuel and God.

I think this applies to a lot of churches' current situation. Indeed we know that there is something wrong within the church. So called believers stopped serving, stop tiding, stop going to prayer meeting, stop caring and loving others. All they worry and care is stuff that related to them. Indeed it is something wrong obviously. What is our reaction to these situation though? The church often will have lots of meeting and discussions, and we will try different things to attract people, and we will try using different material or sermon to turn people's heart. We do analysis of the pro and cons for our actions, etc. Is that the biblical way though?

Let's see what Samuel did. He PRAYED to God. In whatever situation, even at war (Chapter 7) or at criticism from other elders, the first thing he did was prayer. A true hearted prayer to God. He asked for wisdom and advised. He didn't just prayed to God to bless whatever he was going to go. He prayed and only action based on God's respond. He patiently wait.

To the elders of Israel, they thought that there was nothing wrong to set a king rule over them, because this is how other's did, and seems like it worked to other nations. But if we really think about it, why should we depend on the worldly wisdom anyways, when we already have the best security in life, which is God!? Maybe because we don't really trust in God after all, and we thought we trusted.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5)

God knew your and my life even before we were born. His plan for us is always good in His eyes. All God wants from us is to fully surrender to Him and depends on Him. It is about choice. Would I choose God more important then my life, which is in fact given by God. You thought you were right on doing something, based on other people's advices or your life experience, it might seems right, but maybe it is not. Be careful.