1 SAM 8:1 Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel. 2 The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. 3 But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, 5 and said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So Samuel prayed to the LORD. 7 And the LORD said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt, even to this day—with which they have forsaken Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you also. 9 Now therefore, heed their voice. However, you shall solemnly forewarn them, and show them the behavior of the king who will reign over them.”
So Israel wanted a king. You might remember that up until this time, Israel had been ruled by judges....well, maybe ruled is too harsh a word. God had set in this system in order in Deut 16:18 Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. 19 Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. 20 Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you.
Sounds like really good advice for a nation, huh? Judges who have integrity....hummmm. Imagine that! Anyway, Israel looked around one day and said "everyone else has a king.....we want one too!" They already had the King of Kings on their side! But, God loves His children and He wants us to get our heart’s desires....He just wants us to have the right desires!
Oh, He tried to warn them what would happen.....even reminded them of all the great things He had done for them throughout the Exodus. Told Samuel to tell them exactly what was going to happen if they got their wish. How’d they respond after Samuel told them all that would happen?
SAM 8:19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, “No, but we will have a king over us, 20 that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”
They either didn’t believe God...or they just blatantly disregarded His warnings. A little of both, I think. Sometimes God gives us what we want, what we think we earnestly need, even though He tries to send the warning signs to us first. We usually want what we want so badly that we simply disregard the warnings God has given us....and then we have to go through another "learning experience" because of our disregard of God and His Word. Haven’t you had enough of these? I have! The sooner we learn, the sooner we can get past that lesson and move to another one as we learn to be citizens of His Kingdom!
Alas, I digress....(that means I’m getting off-subject!). America has been in a similar mood. We want a "king" to solve our many problems...starting with the economy. We want someone to have the answers to all our problems. We want a king! After all.....everybody else has one!
Two years ago came a charismatic man named Barack Obama who was engulfed in a cult-like atmosphere. Some actually called him "the messiah." Shrines were built to him. A Web site said, "Obama is god." There has been a messianic fervor, adoration and a worship-like atmosphere surrounding him. At some rallies people fainted at the sight of him. Young children recorded on YouTube sang songs to him stating he would change the world.
The whole world was concerned about our election. Newsweek maginzine said "Obama is a 21st century man with whom the whole world can identify." In Obama’s speech in Berlin, Obama said that we are all citizens of the world! Talk about a message on globalism. Will he establish the one-world system?
America longs for a king to take care of us. We demanded change and change we will get! There are YouTube clips of people jumping for joy that Obama will take care of them. As one says, "Obama will pay my mortgage and buy my gas." The entitlement mentality reigns and it is cross-cultural.
I’m not going to make this another political sermon. America has spoken and now we must remain firm on our Christian beliefs and rely on God’s grace to help us. We must stand in the gap now more than ever. Your faith WILL be put to the test even more these coming years. What I really want to talk about here is the similiarities between ancient Israel and our good ole USA these days.
God was refering to Israel in ISA 66:4 So will I choose their delusions, And bring their fears on them; Because, when I called, no one answered, When I spoke they did not hear; But they did evil before My eyes, And chose that in which I do not delight.”.....but He is also speaking to America and us today.
Author Jack Kinsella says in his recent Omega Intelligence Digest, "In October capitalism passed away after a long illness." He is right. Socialism now is very appealing and being implemented in America. The government is buying up many industries and turning them over to a new Socialist president! Socialism sounds good because by its very nature it discourages personal responsibilty...and that sounds good to some "christians".
Listen, none of the candidates who ran in "Campaign 2008" can save us! Only the Lord God of Israel can do that! But as in Samuel’s day, God is not good enough for America. Thus, I believe He has allowed "strong delusion" to filter across the nation and around the world. The world is looking for someone to save them......and they are looking in the wrong places. Some christians don’t WANT to be personally responsible for the knowledge of the gospel!
"Why does it have to be so hard to do good......it’s hard to hold onto Christian values and morals these days.........everyone makes fun of me.......it looks like everyone else is having so much fun......I want to be liked by everyone.....it’s easier to go along with the system than to fight against it.........I need help.....can’t someone just do it for us so we don’t have to work so hard?"
To all the "socialist christians" out there.....someone DID do you some work for you...at Calvary. Some work that you and I COULDN’T do.....but now you must take the personal responsibility of picking up your cross and denying yourself (capitalistic idea) to follow Christ. Your wife can’t do it for you; your mom can’t.....no, YOU and you alone will have to make this walk by yourself. Jesus will be there to help, but it’s up to you to make the journey. No one else can walk it for you.
I believe this election has happened this way for a reason. DAN 2:21 And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise. God wants to shake things up....to shake Christians up....to stir in them the heart of righteousness and praise. To make men realize that the hope we have is found only in Christ Jesus, the one who DOES have all the answers.
Here’s what we know for sure.....in spite of troubling and even perilous times, God will still answer the prayers of the righteous, the Holy Spirit will still be active, God will still inhabit the praises of His people, there will still be room at the cross, and Jesus will still save the lost.
As for government...we know that Jesus will still return to the holy city of Jerusalem to establish perfect government: A Theocracy for 1000 years. ISA 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will beno end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
And it is He, Jesus, tho one and ONLY Jesus that will have the answers and bring peace to this world.
