There's an adage that goes "Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it." It's meant as a warning for those who want what they want for themselves and are willing to get it at all costs. Many times, after receiving what they had pursued, the people (or person) eventually wish they didn't get it - but often than naught it's too late.
Today's passage is from 1 Samuel 8:4-20 and 11:14-15. It tells the great story of how the people of Israel, who at that time was being led by God through the prophet Samuel, wanted a king to rule over them. Samuel tried to tell them that they already had a king; in fact the king they had was the best king they could ever ask for. Nevertheless, the people of Israel wanted a real, live, tangible king. They wanted a King they could talk to directly. They wanted a king who could hear their problems and give them solutions in a voice they could hear. They wanted a king who could stand before them and lead them into victorious battles.
Samuel tells them, on behalf of God, "Okay, but I need to tell you this king you're asking for will be bad. He's going to take whatever he wants from you, use you and your children to build all kinds of things for himself, and you will not be happy."
"We don't care, just give us a king." Was their response; so a king they got. King Saul became their ruler and, true to what Samuel warned, he became known in Hebrew history as the worst king ever to rule over Israel.
What do we want in our lives and how badly do we want it? God knows what is best for us and provides us with everything we need. So the question really becomes are we looking for more than what we need?
Do we really need that big house with 5 bedrooms when we only have 1 or 2 kids? Do we really need that large, fully equipped SUV when gas prices are where they are? Do we need the big screen TV's or the latest fashions. Are we willing to keep removing the precious resources of our earth to get these things? Are we willing to keep ourselves in debt to pursue these things?
Maybe what we should be wishing for are ways to build our relationship with God, with each other, and with ourselves. Now that's something I don't mind getting too much of.
No comments:
Post a Comment