HIGHLIGHT
1 Samuel 11:14 (ESV): 14 Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingdom.”
EXPLAIN
The people of Israel foolishly desired a king. Samuel was a godly leader, but his sons were not men of integrity. And so the people of Israel began to pine for a king.
Samuel obeyed God’s voice and found them a king, Saul, who stood head and shoulders over everyone. But at first, Saul appeared to be shy and retiring. Some did not accept him.
However, when the crisis at Jabesh-gilead occurred, with the Ammonites threatening wipe out the city unless all the men were willing for their right eyes to be gouged out, Saul rose to the occasion.
Now, the Israelites were solidly behind Saul as their king. Samuel wisely called the people to confirm Saul as king with a spiritual ceremony, making offerings to God.
APPLY
If we would have God’s favor, we must follow God’s direction and acknowledge God’s sovereignty over us in all aspects of life, business and society.
The Israelites’ desire for a man to be their king instead of God was a troubling cultural development, but Samuel sought to draw them back to following God’s leadership upon their lives. So we should also seek renewal by recognizing Christ’s lordship of our lives.
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge you as my King. Help me to follow your precepts. Guide me each step of my way. Amen.