As Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons to be judges over Israel. Joel and Abijah, his oldest sons, held court in Beersheba. But they were not like their father, for they were greedy for money. They accepted bribes and perverted justice. Finally, all the elders of Israel met at Ramah to discuss the matter with Samuel. “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 8:1-5 (NLT)

Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the Lord for guidance. “Do everything they say to you,” the Lord replied, “for they are rejecting me, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually abandoned me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them.” 1 Samuel 8:6-9 (NLT)

“When that day comes, you will beg for relief from this king you are demanding, but then the Lord will not help you.” 1 Samuel 8:18 (NLT)

But the people refused to listen to Samuel’s warning. “Even so, we still want a king,” they said. “We want to be like the nations around us. Our king will judge us and lead us into battle.” So Samuel repeated to the Lord what the people had said, and the Lord replied, “Do as they say, and give them a king.” Then Samuel agreed and sent the people home.  1 Samuel 8:19-22 (NLT)

DO I LONG FOR AN ESCAPE FROM MY PROBLEMS OR DO I LONG FOR GOD?

 

 

GOD OFTEN GIVES US WHAT WE WANT TO HELP US SEE WHAT WE NEED.

 

 

THE KING WE LONG FOR ARRIVED.