As the New Year begins, we often greet and are greeted by others with these familiar words. “Happy New Year.” The sentiment reflects our hopes for the coming year though we, like many others, may be beginning the year with fear, apprehension, and worry. Even so, we hope for the best even in the midst of challenging, trying times.
Let’s take a minute to read 1 Samuel 8:1-21. In this passage, we find an aging Samuel appointing his sons as Israel’s new leaders. The problem is clear – his sons did not follow his ways. God’s Word tells us, “They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.” As a result, the elders of Israel came to Samuel and said, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to leadus, such as all the other nations have.”
Samuel was displeased at their request and went to the Lord, who 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.” God went on to tell Samuel to warn the people of the cost of being under the rule and reign of a human king. In spite of the dire warning delivered by God through Samuel, the people persisted, refusing to listen to Samuel – “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” Samuel listened to their request and repeated it to the Lord.
This passage from 1 Samuel 8 is not only a historical narrative but a prophetic picture of what has happened in our own country. Many of you have wondered, “How did we get here as a country?” or “What is really going on?” and you are not alone. The answers are in this prophetic passage – not only for our country but also in the lives of many people. Leading up to the most recent election and following it I cried out to the Lord for wisdom and understanding. I asked Him, “What is your Word for us as we move into the New Year with all our questions and uncertainty?” The Lord responded, “Instruct my people to trust God more.” And as we begin this New Year, I pray that you will join us in the journey to do just that!