Insecure Decisions and God’s Steadfast Plan | 1 Samuel 8:21-22

Vince Miller Podcast

Have you recently made a bad decision?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 8. I've titled this chapter "When Our Insecurities Define Us."

Today, our text is 1 Samuel 8:21-22, which reads:

And when Samuel had heard all the words of the people, he repeated them in the ears of the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey their voice and make them a king.” Samuel then said to the men of Israel, “Go every man to his city.” — 1 Samuel 8:21-22

This is a sad and solemn moment in Israel's history, and Samuel finds himself at a crossroads. Despite his reservations, he was directed to acquiesce to the people's desires as directed by God.

There are a few items worth touching on here. First, this had to be an arduous decision for Samuel. He was old and wise enough to know that this change would have far-reaching consequences. Like a father with a wayward son, he could warn them of the dangers, but he knew they would have to make their own choice and learn from it. Second, Samuel, as a great judge, never compromised his role. He listened to the people and, with integrity, brought their requests to God. Then, he communicated with God and relayed the messages given to him by God to them. It takes great restraint to do this when you know you could alter the situation with a subtle manipulation. Third, it's also worth noting that he doesn't immediately give them what they want. Instead, he sends them home, possibly to think about it. But their bias has set in, and they are convinced that they want a king and are determined to have one.

Israel made another bad decision, one that would result in numerous complications in the future. They rejected God as their King and chose instead to have a mortal reign over them. This choice would ultimately teach them many hard lessons about kings—one we are still learning in our own time—that there is only one just and righteous king—the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.

If God is truly King, then he cannot be voted out. Our plans never outmaneuver his plan, even when we plan to reject him. Thus, our plans never prevent his plan. We could make a lifetime of flawed plans, but nothing will stop the Eternal King. Right into this story, during the reign of an oppressive Roman King, God inserted a sinless son into the story by royal appointment, who would live, die, and rise again as the King of Kings.

So, while this moment is sad, salvation from sin will come because our lifetime of bad decisions will never stop the King of Kings.

#TrustGodsPlan, #KingOfKings, #FaithfulLiving

Ask This:

1. How do you respond when you sense that your desires conflict with God's will, and what steps can you take to align your heart with His plans?
2. In what areas of your life have you tried to assert control, and how can you surrender those areas to the sovereign reign of the King of Kings?

Do This:

Turn to the King in every regret.

Pray This:

Lord, help me to trust in Your sovereign plan even when my own desires and insecurities cloud my judgment. Grant me the wisdom to seek Your will and the courage to follow it faithfully. Amen.

Play This:

Mended.