From Theocracy to Monarchy, a study of 1 Samuel

Today’s Message in a Nutshell–“From Theocracy to Monarchy”, a study of 1 Samuel

The book of 1 Samuel takes us from the birth of Samuel, the last and greatest judge of Israel, to the anointing of Israel’s most beloved king, David. We find in this book a transition from “theocracy to monarchy” as God’s people chose to be “like all the nations” by demanding that a human king rule over them (1 Samuel 8:5), an outright rejection of the King of kings who had led them from Egypt to the Promised Land.

Sadly, a number of believers today follow the error of God’s people in Samuel’s time. We reject God’s rule over us.  Rather than following God’s way, we instead embrace the ways of the world. The Scriptures, therefore, remind us to not love this world (1 John 2:15-17) or be conformed to it (Romans 12:1-2).  Rather, we should “set our affections on things above” (See Colossians 3).

We also find in 1 Samuel repeated portraits of individuals who had a good beginning but a sad ending.  Eli judged over Israel for forty years but was disgraced by the grievous sins of his two sons. Saul began as a good king but at the end lost his reign because of his disobedience. Samuel, the godly and greatest judge of Israel, died without seeing his sons walk in God’s ways. Finally, David, called a man after God’s own heart and described as having reigned righteously as king, died as a man with a broken heart over his family as a result of his personal sin.

Living the Christian life is like running a race (Hebrews 12:1). Let us, therefore, follow the example of the apostle Paul who, although had a bad start, finished well (2 Timothy 4:7)!

Prayer Requests:

Do continue to pray for a harvest from our telephone outreach campaign and follow-up efforts.  We also ask intercession for our family as Anna gives birth any day now.  We need the Lord’s strength, guidance and wisdom every day. Thank you!