1 Samuel 7 – 9, Luke 9:18-36 • Key Verse: 1 Samuel8:7
Rejection always causes us to ask “why?” Sometimes you are the one doing the rejecting and
have to answer the question. What happens when you return something you’ve purchased to a
store? Typically, a clerk will ask why you want to return the item. Or perhaps something is given
back to you, such as a proposal at work that is turned down.
We can learn lessons from rejection. Israel wanted a change in leadership. Samuel was old, and
his sons were not good candidates to succeed him. So the elders said, “Appoint a king to lead us”
(8:5).
When Samuel heard the request he felt rejected. But God assured him that he was not the one
being rejected. The people were rejecting God.
Why? Because they wanted to be like other nations and serve other gods (vv. 5, 8). Even after
being warned of the dangers of this, the people still said, “We want a king over us. Then we will
be like all the other nations” (vv. 19-20).
Was that a good reason to ask for a king? Ho, but it was a common one. God’s way is often
rejected not for a better way, but for a preferred way. The preferred way appeals to man and, just
as with Israel, is more like the way of the world.
Israel later reaped the negative effects of this decision—a sure result of rejecting God. Listen to
His Word and follow His way, because that is the only path to blessing.
Consider carefully your choices and ask if they lead you closer to or further away from God.
Determine that your heart will be set to follow Him.
Woodrow Kroll & Tony Beckett

www.backtothebible.in