The Jesse Tree: Day 13
DESIRE FOR A KING
In this story, if the Israelites had a Christmas list, it would’ve consisted of only one request, one gift they sought for—a king.
Samuel, the prophet, had functioned as their leader for decades. Their true king was God, but Samuel was his mouthpiece, speaking and leading on his behalf. The people loved Samuel, but his sons were less capable, less trustworthy leaders.
With Samuel growing older, the people wanted a more stable form of leadership. They wanted a king.
So they said to Samuel:
Samuel, the prophet, had functioned as their leader for decades. Their true king was God, but Samuel was his mouthpiece, speaking and leading on his behalf. The people loved Samuel, but his sons were less capable, less trustworthy leaders.
With Samuel growing older, the people wanted a more stable form of leadership. They wanted a king.
So they said to Samuel:
“Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.”
1 Samuel 8:5
1 Samuel 8:5
What was most astonishing about this request was that they weren’t just rejecting Samuel, or even the system of the judges, they were rejecting God as their king.
And why? What would lead them to do such a thing?
When they observed the nations surrounding them, they noticed something. Every nation was ruled and led by a human king. A king who brought order, stability, and even flourishing for the nation. Or so it seemed. But the Israelites didn’t have a king, at least, not like these other nations.
Samuel pointed out the obvious truth, that a king like this comes with consequences. He’ll burden you with heavy taxes, taking the best of your lands and livestock, heaping up his own extravagant wealth. He’ll take your sons and expend their lives in war, earning glory for himself. And he’ll take your daughters like servants, forcing them to bake bread and mix perfumes, using them to serve his own pleasures.
Anything you hold dear will be taken from you and enjoyed by another; this is the price of a king.
Unfortunately, they were too blinded by their envy and desire. They refused to consider the consequences of their decision, and persisted in their demand for a king. And in the end, a king they were given. They got exactly what they wanted, and the result was generations of suffering that finally ended in destruction and exile.
The moral of the story: it’s easy to miss the unintended consequences of getting what we want.
But thankfully, because of God, the story doesn’t end there. God didn’t abandon the Israelites. Years later, God redeemed this request for a human king, as God himself stepped into time, becoming that king himself. As the wise men said:
And why? What would lead them to do such a thing?
When they observed the nations surrounding them, they noticed something. Every nation was ruled and led by a human king. A king who brought order, stability, and even flourishing for the nation. Or so it seemed. But the Israelites didn’t have a king, at least, not like these other nations.
Samuel pointed out the obvious truth, that a king like this comes with consequences. He’ll burden you with heavy taxes, taking the best of your lands and livestock, heaping up his own extravagant wealth. He’ll take your sons and expend their lives in war, earning glory for himself. And he’ll take your daughters like servants, forcing them to bake bread and mix perfumes, using them to serve his own pleasures.
Anything you hold dear will be taken from you and enjoyed by another; this is the price of a king.
Unfortunately, they were too blinded by their envy and desire. They refused to consider the consequences of their decision, and persisted in their demand for a king. And in the end, a king they were given. They got exactly what they wanted, and the result was generations of suffering that finally ended in destruction and exile.
The moral of the story: it’s easy to miss the unintended consequences of getting what we want.
But thankfully, because of God, the story doesn’t end there. God didn’t abandon the Israelites. Years later, God redeemed this request for a human king, as God himself stepped into time, becoming that king himself. As the wise men said:
“Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:2
Matthew 2:2
Pause to reflect
Have you ever experienced unintended and unwanted consequences that came from getting something you wanted?
Is there something even now that you’ve been longing for, that you have a sense is something that God doesn’t want for you? Even if the thing itself isn’t wrong, consider how getting it might come with unintended consequences for your life.
Is there something even now that you’ve been longing for, that you have a sense is something that God doesn’t want for you? Even if the thing itself isn’t wrong, consider how getting it might come with unintended consequences for your life.
Pause to pray
Jesus, King of my heart, I confess that I am often tempted and deceived by the desires of the world. I confess that there are materials, relationships and experiences that I elevate above you, longing for them like the Israelites longed for a king. Please, forgive me for this, and in your mercy, hear my prayer.
As I go through the activities of the day, commutes and conversations, meals and prayers, work and waiting, would my heart rest in you. And would all my action be done in service and worship to you, my King.
Please, continue to transform my heart and mind, making me new in this Advent season. Would your mission and word go forth through my life, and would you be glorified by my life. In your mercy, hear our prayers. Amen.
As I go through the activities of the day, commutes and conversations, meals and prayers, work and waiting, would my heart rest in you. And would all my action be done in service and worship to you, my King.
Please, continue to transform my heart and mind, making me new in this Advent season. Would your mission and word go forth through my life, and would you be glorified by my life. In your mercy, hear our prayers. Amen.
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