“So Samuel passed on the Lord’s warning to the people who were asking him for a king. 11 “This is how a king will reign over you,” Samuel said. “The king will draft your sons and assign them to his chariots and his charioteers, making them run before his chariots. 12 Some will be generals and captains in his army, some will be forced to plow in his fields and harvest his crops, and some will make his weapons and chariot equipment. 13 The king will take your daughters from you and force them to cook and bake and make perfumes for him . . . 17 He will demand a tenth of your flocks, and you will be his slaves. 18 When that day comes, you will beg for relief from this king you are demanding, but then the Lord will not help you.” 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel’s warning. “Even so, we still want a king,” they said. 20 “We want to be like the nations around us. Our king will judge us and lead us into battle.” 21 So Samuel repeated to the Lord what the people had said, 22 and the Lord replied, “Do as they say, and give them a king.” Then Samuel agreed and sent the people home.“ 1 Samuel 8:10-13 and 17-22 NLT
Lord God Omniscient,
All knowing God. You knew that the children of Israel were not listening to Samuel. They wanted a quick fix right now to the problem. Samuel had grown old – but was not dead yet by a long stretch – but his sons were a bad lot. Did they want God to raise up a new Samuel NO. Did they want to ask Samuel to ask God what was the best way forward NO. They looked superficially at other nations and wanted what they had with no thought of the consequences. They were like persistent petulant children.
So You, Lord God said to Samuel give them what they want. And what we want is not always good for us! You knew that but that they would have to learn the hard way. Even though You, God were still able to bring about Your future plan through the lineage of David. One day delivering the King of Kings as a baby into the arms of Mary. So we could know what choosing You alone to be our King means. We do not want to have our own way Lord. We desire You have Your way in our lives for our best and good..
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 20th April 2025
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will,
while I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Savior today!
Wash me just now, Lord, wash me just now,
as in thy presence humbly I bow.
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!
Lyrics: Adelaide A Pollard