1 SAMUEL 8:19-20

But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.”

TO PONDER

I have to confess that today's verse sorely tempted me to begin by saying 'this story serves as an example of what happens when you don't listen to the wisdom of our pastor/priest.' However, that is not really the point of this text, and I know that I am as prone to mistakes and not listening to God at times just as much as the next person. In fact, the real message behind this text is really that we will always end up in trouble if we listen to other people instead of God.

Now sometimes, like in the case of Samuel, God speaks quite clearly and directly to us through the words and wisdom of others. And so it can be wise to seek the counsel of a wise Christian mentor or friend. But the wisdom of the world at large, particularly if you follow the story of Scripture, seems to always lead to folly and often also destruction.

What we see played out in the rest of the story of Samuel and the Israelites is that the people on a King and so God gives them what they want, but with a stern warning.

God does allow us to make choices, but he also gives strong advice about what happens when we reject him as the ultimate authority for our lives. You are free to live your own way but don't be surprised when the thing you want most (if it is not God) turns out to disappoint.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I may walk in your ways and your wisdom. Help me to someone who can give wise and righteous counsel to others, because I am always ready to listen to you. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle.