JUNE 8–14: THE LEAST TO BE KING
Come Follow Me “The Lord Looketh on the Heart” 1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–16
Let’s look at the pattern that God most often follows in choosing Kings and rulers:
In 1 Samuel we see He chooses Saul to be Israel’s first King. And who is Saul? He’s a keeper of donkeys. David will follow - a shepherd, the youngest son from an obscure family of the smallest tribe. Jesus is born into the family of a carpenter from a small, outlying village, never to know worldly wealth or comfort. He chooses fishermen, and others of the working class to become His apostles. And a small and unimportant family of Israel was chosen to be God’s people. Their armies were repeatedly scaled back to a pittance when faced with a battle.
Where are you in this hierarchy? Are you weak and meek and insignificant enough to be God’s chosen vessel for His work? ‘God chose the weak to show His power, God lifts the poor and gives them honor, Not many were mighty, not many were strong, but God chose the weak to sing His song.’
God Chose the Weak - Eternal Songs
The shift from humility of these early kings alerts us to the threat of getting too full of ourselves. Certainly the comforts we live in today are mixed blessings. For when we feel so favored by God, we may make the mistake of believing that allows us to just take what we want, to decide things that override His direction and counsels, as long as we give our show of penance and worship. [1 Samuel 15:22] ‘Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.’
What ‘fat of rams’ do we offer as sacrifice instead of our submission? ‘I don’t need your money, I want your life.’
To Obey is Better Than Sacrifice - Keith Green
How do we choose our rulers? First and foremost, let’s not let anyone rule above THE true King. We have a King who has real physical power over all creation, yet rules with compassion, tempers His power with the humility of bowing to serve each of us individually, who puts our cares above His own pains. Do we really think we can find a better ruler than that?
‘Do I surrender to His will? Letting His love my spirit fill? The thief’s repentance, a hopeful sign, a second chance, a love divine, He recognized the King’s true face and found redemption in that place.’
He is The King - Angels Daily Bread
My husband shared this song Yabo with me. What a wonderful song of praise and thanks to our King. ‘What shall I offer you for your love and grace? Thanksgiving from my heart I give to you.’
Yabo - Solomon Lange
To be a leader is to follow THE leader.