1 Samuel 12:18-20 (MSG)
“Then all the people begged Samuel, ‘Pray to your God for us, your servants. Pray that we won’t die! On top of all our other sins, we’ve piled on one more—asking for a king!’”
Samuel was raised in the temple. His mother promised God if she could have a child she would give him to the Lord. God revealed himself to Samuel and his word. Samuel was a prophet and he acted as a judge. The Israelites would listen and follow him, for a time.
The people then decided that Samuel was getting old. His children were taking bribes and being dishonest. The Israelites wanted a king so the elders went to Samuel and asked for a king. Samuel did not think this was a good idea so he prayed.
1 Samuel 8: 7-9 (MSG) “And the Lord told him: ‘Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.’ “
God essentially said Ok………….but you’ll be sorry. If you really want a king, I’ll give you one, but be careful what you pray for.
Samuel called down thunder and rain to get their attention and to prove to them that they don’t need a king. They need to pray to God and listen to his direction. The Israelites begged Samuel to pray for them. Pray that God won’t kill us for asking for a king.
Here is Samuel’s reply 1 Samuel 12: 22-25 (MSG)” ‘For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own. As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish.’ ”
When we pray for others, we may know that they aren’t doing what is good in God’s eyes, but that doesn’t mean we should stop praying for them. In the same way Samuel prayed, we should pray. We can pray that people stop looking for the “king” to rule their lives. Lift those people up in prayer. Pray that they serve God and turn away from evil. Samuel’s reply is a good reminder for us all. Re-read his reply again and think about what he says. Are there “kings” in your life?
