Read 1 Samuel 8
Today we rejoin the story as Samuel retires as leader of God’s people. His two sons have inherited the job, but the people are not happy. These guys are not like their father and seek their own gain over the welfare of God’s people. The people look around at other nations who have kings to rule them, and decide this is what they want.
Whilst the rejection of Samuel’s corrupt sons seems a positive step – God would certainly not have been pleased with their behaviour – the outcry for a king is not. God has always been the king of his people, and so in asking for a human king the people are not just rejecting Samuel’s sons, but God himself. Effectively they declare they no longer trust God to rule them.
How do you feel when God allows something unjust in your life? The Bible is full of honest expressions of people grappling with these moments in the presence of God. But it can feel much easier to simply shut God out. To refuse to wrestle with him about the source of injustice and the pain it brings. Instead to reject him and resort to what brought us comfort as children – screams of ‘it’s not fair’ and hiding away in a huff. Not all darkness is scary to us. Sometimes we make our home there because we’re angry, or we cannot bear to trust that the light will come through for us.
God does choose to come through for his people here. They have rejected him as their King, but he does not reject them. In fact, he gives them exactly what they asked for – a king. He warns them that it won’t be the fairytale ending they expect, for a king will place demands on them that he never did. A king will want portions of their land, animals and crops. He’ll enlist their sons for his army and service, and take their daughters to be cooks, bakers and perfume makers. The people will be in servitude to the king they demand. But despite being warned of all this, they would still rather have a king and be like everyone else around them. They still need the Saviour they were promised right back at the start.
God does not force our obedience, although he has the power to do so. No, in his grace he allows us to make our own choices, and often gives us what we desire. Unfortunately, I make bad choices quite frequently, especially when times are hard. Shutting out God and going it alone feels far safer. I need the kind of Saviour who will track me down and win me over, time and time again, ushering me tenderly back into relationship. A Saviour who will break down my walls until I can scream all my ‘it’s not fair’ in his presence, and hear his response. One who will assure me he is not the author of injustice, but the resolution. I need a Saviour who is like God – compassionate and gracious, abounding in love and faithfulness, slow to anger, and rich in love.
But what kind of Saviour will God send? After journeying many, many generations with God’s people there is still no sign of one. The wait continues…
Reflect
What is your attitude to God when you meet injustice?
Can you identify times in your life when you have shut God out? Do you need to return to these times and express your feelings with him now?
In what ways do you need a Saviour at the moment?
Susie lives in NE Fife and works in ministry. She loves being with friends, feeding people and half finished creative projects.
