Bible Chapter: I Samuel 7 & 8

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    These chapters are describing a critical transition period in the nations’s history.  Samuel was the last judge.  He also was the first to fill the prophetic office.  The people were complaining and demanding a king.  This was not God’s timing for this to happen.  But, because the people demanded it and were rebellious, God gave them what they wanted.  This is a good illustration of not liking what you say you want.  One of the things that jumps out to me is the sad statement that they wanted a king so they could be like everyone else.  All the other nations had a king and they didn’t want to be different.  This concept of conforming has dangers.  A person must look at what they are conforming to and be sure it is a good standard to follow.
    The Ark went to Kiriath Jearim and stayed there twenty years.  The people mourned and sought after the Lord.  Samuel told them they must return to the Lord with all their hearts and rid themselves of the foreign gods and symbols.  They must commit to God and serve Him only.  After making a sacrifice they saw God’s hand of deliverance and they routed the Philistines.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    God told Samuel that the people were not rejecting him as their judge, but rejecting God.  They had been doing that all the time since they were delivered from Egypt.  Accepting God and being submissive to Him or rejecting and demanding self rule - these questions define the spiritual battle.  Learning to stay off the ups and downs of spiritual life is critical.  Samuel saw the condition of the hearts of the people and it hurt him.  The lesson for us is to learn what God requires and then submit.  While that concept is simple, it is a challenge to apply because of the self-centered nature of people.  But, it is always best to do things God’s way.

3.  How can I help someone?
    The people back then, and the people today, need to apply the words of wisdom that come from the book of Proverbs.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
    It is amazing how well this works.