1 Samuel 8:7 “The Lord said to Samuel, ‘Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them.’” 

NOT ME!

We don’t have a king in America, so it’s hard to comprehend that type of rule.  But the people of Israel wanted one.  They wanted someone to lead them, since Samuel’s sons were not following in their father’s footsteps.  The people wanted a leader like everyone else.

You probably are saying, “I would never do that Carl.  I love the Lord.  I would never replace Him.”  Are you sure about that?  They say you can determine your god by examining where you spend your time and money.  Where is yours spent?

TEACHING MOMENT

This lesson is all about loyalty.  Our children must learn from us what that is.  This is another one of those traits that is better caught than taught.  We must show them what loyalty looks like by being loyal ourselves.  How do we do that?

Loyalty can be seen in a number of ways, but for the purposes of this lesson, it is seen in how we talk about our God.  Everything we say and do should honor Him.  Our decisions should be weighed in relation to what He would have us do.  Our children need to see us doing that, and when they do, we need to explain our loyalty to God.

To whom are you loyal?  Are you loyal to your spouse?  Are you loyal to your employer?  Are you loyal to your friends?  Most importantly, are you loyal to God?  Do others know you are “sold out” to Him?  Can others see your loyalty?

Before you judge the Israelites for wanting a king, check out your own loyalty.  And remember that as you follow Him, others will reject you.  They, like the Israelites, are shunning you as much as they are the Lord.  That’s okay.  You just be loyal.

Father, help me to be loyal to the point that all who know me will know with Whom I stand and Who stands beside me.  You are faithful.  Help me to be more faithful.