And Samuel told all the words of the Lord unto the people that asked of him a king. And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots. And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. (1 Samuel 8:10-14)
When the people of Israel wanted a king, it wasn’t only a desire to be like other nations but also a purposeful rejection of God’s authority and protection. Samuel warned the people that the king would take their sons and daughters to serve his interests. He would assign them tasks such as making chariots, serving as horsemen, and working in his kitchens and fields. The people’s children, their greatest treasures, would be taken for the king’s benefit.
When we prioritize worldly systems, worldly ways, and worldly pursuits over God’s authority, we often sacrifice what is most valuable to us. Whether it’s our time, energy, or even our family, the cost of rejecting God’s leadership is far-reaching and difficult to endure. This is true in many areas of life, not just government. When we seek what the world wants, we tell God that His ways aren’t good enough for us. We become like the prodigal son who disowned his father and tried to make it in the world on his own. Because of his arrogance, he lost everything and ended up in a pigpen.
Practical Application
Are there areas in your life where you have placed your trust in people, systems, or your own understanding instead of fully surrendering to God’s authority? Give God your attention, your time, and your focus. Ask the Holy Spirit to help reveal areas of your life that are not fully submitted to Him.