Topic: Getting What You Want
Text: 1 Samuel 10:17-27
Key Verse: I am your God, the one who rescues you from all your troubles and difficulties, but today you have rejected me and have asked me to give you a king. Very well, then, gather yourselves before the Lord by tribes and by clans.'” – 1 Samuel 10:19 (GNT)
There have been times when I have insisted on having my way contrary to what God wants, and when l got what l wanted, l regretted it. The children of Israel found themselves in that place in our text today, where they had openly chosen between having God as their king and having an earthly king like the nations around them.
I honestly admit that it is not easy for humans to be in a relationship with a person they cannot see because we are used to walking by sight and living within the boundaries of our physical senses. But it is possible to be in fellowship with him, who is a spirit because a part of him lives in us.
In our relationship with God, we must be careful never to say anything is impossible; instead, we must learn first to ask him how he wants us to respond because everything is possible with God.
For with God, nothing shall be impossible. – Luke 1:37
God is always gracious to give man options, but every choice has consequences!
Samuel spelled out the consequences of having an earthly King to Israel, and still, they demanded a King. Read 1 Samuel 8: 10-18.
How do you determine the cost or benefits of a decision? What is your motive when choosing what you want over what God wants for you? Living intentionally is about weighing the options with an eternal perspective! Listen to their reason for asking for a king.
Nevertheless, the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel, and they said Nay, but we will have a king over us; 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 8:19-20
There is a phrase l hear these days in our local parlance…” pepper them.” Is the benefit of your choice to spite others or revenge a wrong that you or your family members suffered many years ago? As Christians, we live by a higher moral standard than the whole world, and we must not forget who we are and the values of our kingdom as we make our daily choice.
But you must always act like your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:48(CEV)
How in the world is it possible for anyone to always act like God? We are human with many weaknesses and shortcomings; how can God expect perfection from us?
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. – John 17:23(KJV)
I am one with them, and you are one with me, so that they may become completely one. Then this world’s people will know that you sent me. They will know that you love my followers as much as you love me. – John 17:23(CEV)
You cannot make the right decisions except you acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus over you, and you surrender your will to him; only then can you act as God would want, and your life will be a living testimony to the world.
Be humble in the presence of God’s mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. – 1 Peter 5:6(CEV)
Prayer
Father, thank you for your great love for us, not that you needed us, but we need you more. It is a great privilege to be called your children and be made priests and kings. Help everyone see how much value you have placed on us in Jesus’ name. Please help us stop comparing ourselves with people around us, help us begin a new relationship of submission to your will in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Ada
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
