Read: 1 Samuel 8; 1 Samuel 9:15-17; 1 Samuel 10:1; 1 Samuel 10:6-9; 1 Samuel 10:17-25; 1 Samuel 12:6-25; 1 Samuel 13:11-14; 1 Samuel 15:16-16:1.
The period of the judges includes many instances of Israel’s failure to worship and serve God alone, as his holy people in a witness to the nations. The culmination of their failure is found in 1 Samuel in their request for a human king to lead their people in order to be like the other nations around them. Even though Israel rejected God as their king, God’s love for all people and his intent to use the Israelites to fulfill his mission of redeeming, reconciling, and restoring creation did not change. God was willing to appoint Saul to be king and to work through him and the Israelites if they would worship, serve, and obey him. When Saul failed to serve and obey God, another king had to be chosen who would serve God and wanted to participate in his mission.
- God chooses to use human beings as his channels for his mission to the nations and invites us to participate in it. We have the choice to join him, and he sometimes adjusts his plans to reflect our choices, as in the example of appointing a king for Israel. What does this tell us about the value God holds in our participation in his mission?
- The Israelites allowed insecurity, fear, political might, and unrighteousness to turn them from serving and obeying God alone. What distractions, temptations, and concerns tempt you and your church from an unswerving obedience, holiness, and faithfulness to God alone? What are the most helpful ways to avoid these snares?
- Compare Jesus’ response to temptations in Luke 4:5-8 with Saul’s (1 Samuel 13:5-14; 15:16-24). Is there some part of your heart that needs to be changed or surrendered so that God can use you in his mission?