God the true King

Today’s Reading: 1 Sam 8:1–9:27, James 2:1–13, Ps 119:49–64

Today’s Theme: God the true King

One of the bible’s great themes is God as King and the Universe as his Kingdom. This is an over arching story in the biblical narrative which brings the whole story together. God establishes his Kingdom in creation, sin brings rebellion in the kingdom and Jesus comes to proclaim and reestablsih the kingdom and will return to ruke and reign as king over all.

The rejected King

And the LORD said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. 1 Samuel 8:7 (ESV)

One of the main narratives of the bible is that God is King. One of the clearest ways we see this is with Israel. God’s chosen nation was always intended to be a witness and example to the world. One example they were to show was Gods kingdom on earth, they were to show the nations what it meant to have God rule as king, known as a Theocratic Kingdom.

The rejection of their covenant keeping God and King was a foreshadow of the rejection of Jesus the Messiah. See Acts 3:13–15; 7:51–53.

Regardless of the people’s rejection it does not change hat fact that God is the sovereign king over all creation. Yesterday we read how God was sovereign over the Philistines and the people of Israel.

We must joyfully submit to God as our covenant keeping, sovereign King.

Like everyone else

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.” 1 Samuel 8:20 (ESV)

Don’t be in a hurry to be like everyone else. We must learn to be content and happy with God’s provision and guidance in our lives.

We learn throughout the bible that it is unwise to compare ourselves with others and so become covetous. We may be envious of a seemingly wealthy person but do not realise that to get what they have, we need to sacrifice, family, time and health for example.

Paul said in 2 Corinthians 10:12 “Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.”

Trust God as the king, don’t try to be the little king and ruler of your own life, deciding what and who you should be. Instead determine to submit yourself to the King and what he has for you

The King’s providence

But he said to him, “Behold, there is a man of God in this city, and he is a man who is held in honor; all that he says comes true. So now let us go there. Perhaps he can tell us the way we should go.” 1 Samuel 9:6 (ESV)

God used Saul’s servant (who would seem insignificant) to change his mind so that they would encounter Samuel. God uses people around us to direct us according to his plan.

We should ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in this way today so that we meet the people and go to the places God wants us to.

Our King’s royal law

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. James 2:8 (ESV)

God our great King, demonstrated the royal law by showing us his love for us in giving us Jesus his only Son to die for our sins.

We as members of his kingdom here on earth should fulfil the royal law which is to love others as we love ourselves. As Jesus said all the law is summed up in this.

James is making the point that we should not act with partiality and prejudice.

Walk in the love of the king towards those around you today. Show mercy and remember mercy was shown to you, this will triumph over being judgemental in your own mind.

Entreat the King

I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. Psalm 119:58 (ESV)

Like this psalm we entreat the king to show us his favour according to his word.