wanting a king

1 Samuel 8:6 But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. 7 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. 8 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. 9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do."

We have been discussing in my Old Testament class how this idea of kingship developed for Israel, and the paradox that is found in it. By wanting a king Israel rejects God. They must beseech the very Lord that wants to reign over them as a righteous and good King for the right to have a king. How often do we repeat this grievance? How often do we beg the Lord to give us something that we think will better help us manage our lives, give us order, but in truth he simply wants control over that very thing. If we would simply turn to him we wouldn't need most of the things we beg of him. He makes use of every morsel of ourselves that we give him, and he will participate in the framework in which we allow him present in our lives.

Doesn't the church do this too? How often are we distracted by programs, order, liturgy, committees, and method when the Spirit simply wants to move? Come, great God. Be our King. Do not allow us to reject you. We repent of the way we elevate our plans over your Lordship!

Soundtrack: You are my King, Brian Doerkeson; Wonderful King, David Crowder; King Without a Crown, Matisyahu; and O Worship the King, Chris Tomlin