Day 62 – 1 Samuel: Theme

“Look,” they told him, “you are now old, and your sons are not like you. Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have.” 1 Samuel 8:5 NLT

As you work through 1 Samuel, note the transition from theocracy to monarchy, exult in the classic stories of David and Goliath, David and Jonathan, and David and Abigail; and watch the rise of the influence of the prophets. But while reading all the history and adventure, be determined to run your race as a follower of God to the finish.

In the book of 1 Samuel, five key themes focus on leadership, obedience, and faithfulness.

• King: Because Israel was ailed with corrupt priests and judges, the people wanted a king – they desired to be under organised rule like the surrounding nations. Though this was not God’s original purpose, He chose a king for them. Establishing a monarchy did not solve Israel’s problems. God’s desire is the genuine devotion of each person’s mind and heart to Him. No government or set of laws can substitute for the rule of God in your heart and life.

• God’s control: Israel prospered as long as the people regarded God as their true King. We have seen that when the leaders strayed from God’s law, God intervened in their personal lives and overruled their actions. In this way, God maintained ultimate control over Israel’s history. He is always at work in this world, even when we can’t see what He is doing. No matter what kinds of pressures we endure or changes we face, God is ultimately in control.

• Leadership: God guided His people using different forms of leadership: judges, priests, prophets, and later kings. Those whom He chose for these different offices – such as Eli, Samuel, Saul, and David – portrayed different styles of leadership. The success of each leader depended on that leader’s devotion to God, not on position, leadership style, wisdom, age, or strength.

• Obedience: For God, “obedience is better than sacrifice” (15:22). God desires His people to obey, serve, and follow him wholeheartedly rather than to maintain a superficial commitment to Him based on tradition or ceremonial systems. Although we are free from the sacrificial system of the Jewish law, we may still rely on outward observances to substitute for inward commitment.

• God’s faithfulness: God faithfully kept the promises he made to Israel. He responded to them with tender mercy and swift justice In showing mercy, He faithfully acted in the best interest of His people, and in showing justice, He was faithful to His word and perfect moral nature. Because He is faithful, He can be counted on to be merciful and just towards us.

Prayer: Father, thank You that we can learn so much about Your heart’s desire for Your people versus our own sinful desires. Thank You for always wanting the best for me and for being merciful and just towards me. Close my ears to the opinions of this world so I can follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Amen.