When The People Cry Out For A King
I Samuel 8:1-22
(Listen online at www.Stockdalebaptist.com)
Intro: A stretch limo full of politicians was taking a back route down a two-lane country road late at night. The limo ran into a bad storm, and slid off the wet pavement at high speed. It flipped over a few times, and finally crashed into a tractor in the middle of a field. The owner of the farm heard the noise and went out to see what happened. After checking out the scene, he used his tractor to bury the passengers. The next afternoon the county deputy was passing and saw the wrecked limo, which had been reported as missing. He asked the farmer what happened, and the farmer let him know he’d buried all the politicians. The deputy asked, “Were you certain they were all dead?” “Well,” said the farmer, “a few of them claimed they weren’t, but you know politicians, you can’t believe a word they say.”
It has been said that if you want to keep your friends, avoid talking about politics or religion. As a Pastor, that is near impossible for me. And today's topic involves both. I hope when I am finished, we can all still be friends! The task I have been assigned requires me to walk a very fine line. While I will discuss the current state of our nation, my ultimate goal is to exegete this portion of scripture in a relevant way that will benefit us during the upcoming months. If you have turned on your TV recently, you know we are in an election year. The first few primaries and caucuses have already taken place and here in Alabama we vote this Tuesday.
I am not here to promote or endorse a republican, a democrat or an independent. That is not my place. But I do believe that the Word of God will give you all of the answers that you need when choosing a leader.
Christians in America have a very unique opportunity. We live in a country where we have the right to vote for our leaders on a local, state and national level. One of the founding principles of this great nation is our freedom of religion. And another is the right to vote. During the primary season the candidates are more "religious" now than they will ever be. Some of them will attend more church services and religious events over the next few months than they have in the past 2 decades. I do not mean to imply that this is the case for all of them. I know none of the candidates personally and I hope some truly are devoted servants of Christ. But I am sick and tired of politicians who profess to be Christians when it is politically expedient and then govern like the devil when they are elected.
There are certain things that we all desire to see in our next President. We all would love a President with Character, Integrity, Honesty, Ability and Experience. Unfortunately, as we look at the current political landscape it seems that finding Bigfoot or Jimmy Hoffa would be an easier task.
During this process I would like to encourage you keep the proper focus. Don't put your hope in a specific party or candidate. Never forget that no matter who is elected... as a Christian, YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE KING!
There was a time in Israel where the people of God lost sight of who they belonged to. Things were rough and they cried out to God for a king. Through Samuel God warned them that they did not need a king. The people refused to listen and continued to demand a king. And God in His infinite wisdom gave them what they wanted. In the end, they learned that God was right and they should have listened to Him all along. I hope we can learn from their error. Join me in our selected text as we see what happens "When The People Cry Out For A King".
At this point in history, Israel was facing turbulent times. Their leaders were corrupt and this instigated a desire for a change. Consider:
I. THE INTENSE FRUSTRATION AMONG THOSE WHO CRY OUT FOR A KING - v1 ¶And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. 2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. 3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.
At this time Samuel was getting older and could no longer handle all of the duties in the region. So he delegated some of his duties to his sons in the southern districts of Palestine. But his sons were not righteous and honorable like their father. They were greedy, they accepted bribes and they perverted justice. (sounds similar to many politicians in our day!)
Because of their corruption the elders of Israel confronted Samuel. They said "Your sons are not like you, give us a king like the other nations have". (v5) The people of Israel had a legitimate complaint. But they had the wrong mindset concerning the solution to the problem.
Today, there is growing frustration among the American people. People are frustrated about: The state of our economy. The attack on religious freedom, immigration, entitlements, taxes, healthcare and national security. And like the people of Israel, there is intense frustration with the corrupt leadership in our nation. (Local, state & federal). There is nothing wrong with voicing our frustration. We should have a desire to make a difference. But we must maintain a proper focus. We must remember that this is our temporary home. We must put our trust in Jesus Christ and no one else.
- Though Israel's frustrations were legitimate, their method of dealing with things was incorrect. Consider for a moment:
II. THE IMPROPER FOCUS OF THOSE WHO CRY OUT FOR A KING - v6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. 7 And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, 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 unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. 9 Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.
After Samuel heard the request of the Elders of Israel he was not pleased. He went to the Lord for direction and guidance. God told Samuel that Israel's problems were deeper than the fact that they desired a king. He said "Samuel, they are rejecting me...not you".
In fact they had constantly abandoned the Lord and served other God's every since He had delivered them from Egypt. They had turned from Him and worshiped other gods. Instead of returning to the Lord and trusting in Him to take care of them, they thought that a king was the answer for their problems.
This is a common problem among God's people today. Many think that a new president or a majority in congress will answer all of their problems. (NOT SO!) We have the precious opportunity to be involved in the political process here in America. Unfortunately many have neglected that opportunity, while countless others have compromised and chosen leaders who contradict the principles taught in the Word of God . As a result we have leadership (on all levels) who are corrupt and Godless.
Many "Christians" constantly complain about abortion, gay marriage, the legalization of drugs, prayer being taken out of school and many other hot button social topics. But the sad fact is that many of these things happened because of people who were elected by an overwhelming majority of "Christians". The Supreme Court justices who allowed these things to take place were appointed by Presidents who were elected by "Christian people".
For decades people have walked into voting booths and consciously voted for candidates who were directly opposed to everything Christians should stand for. They compromised because they thought it would benefit the economy. Or because they thought that a specific candidate could create jobs, or initiate tax reform. Some compromised because they didn't want to lose their Social Security check, or because someone promised to provide certain "entitlements". Or because a candidate promised to end a war. (don't think that I am only referring to one party... this type of corruption crosses all party lines.)
We have many issues that need to be addressed in this great country of ours. But our only hope is in Jesus Christ. I pray that instead of trusting the government to turn things around... that Christians would realize that we as a nation have turned from our God. And once we come to that realization let us return to Him. In fact if we don't look to God for the help we need.... trouble is coming.
- Israel refused to take the proper steps... they demanded a king. So God told Samuel to warn them what would happen if they got what they wanted. Let's examine:
III. THE IMPORTANT WARNING FOR THOSE WHO CRY OUT FOR A KING v9-18
Samuel returned to the Elders of Israel and told them what would happen if they had a king. He stated that a king would draft their sons into his army. They would run before the chariots. Others would plow his fields and harvest his crops. Some would become blacksmiths who would forge the kings weapons. This king that they desired so intently would seize their lands and take away their best vineyards and groves. This king would force the women to cook and to make perfumes for him. He would take a portion of their harvest and give it to his servants. He would take away their slaves and livestock. They would essentially all become slaves to the king. Worst of all they are told that when this happens, they will cry out to God for relief and deliverance and in that day the Lord would not hear them.
They were clearly warned of the consequences of their choice. Through God's Word we are warned of the consequences of our choices. This week in our primaries, we have some choices to make. We have the opportunity to cast a vote for the person we feel would be best suited to lead our nation for the next 4 years. And there are will be consequences as a result of our choice. Our next president may face the reality of a nuclear armed Iran & North Korea. They will no doubt face issues related to domestic and international terror. They will have to deal with the rise of ISIS. They will make decisions regarding the economy. There will influence certain social issues. They will have an impact on civil and religious rights. They will deal with the increasing divide among different segments of our society and it is very possible that our next president may appoint as many as 4 supreme court justices.
Throughout the Bible God has warned us of the consequences of our choices. We are told in - Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Also consider what God says in - Psalms 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD...
- When we willfully choose leaders who contradict the Word of God there is a price to pay. Notice:
IV. THE INTENTIONAL DISREGARD CONCERNING THOSE WHO CRY OUT FOR A KING - v19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; 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.
The people of Israel were clearly warned, but they would not heed the warning. They said "we don't care about the consequences... we want a king!" As Christians we are blessed with the inerrant Word of God. It should guide us in every area of our lives. Including selecting our leaders. - Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
I have had several people ask me who I am voting for. At this point I have not decided. (though I will gladly tell you who I am NOT voting for.) But the fact of the matter is, it doesn't matter who I choose to support. The guidance that you need concerning your choice is found in the Word of God.
- Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan
- Proverbs 16:12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.
- Exodus 18:21 Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
- 2 Samuel 23:3 ...He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
- Luke 6:45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
I have heard many "Christians" say concerning this election, "well, I am voting for a president not a pastor". I have also heard people attempt to prove that character doesn't count when electing a leader.
* Consider some of the statements we are hearing from many professing Christians, they say:
- "I don't care about character as long as he/she can win"
- "I don't care about morals as long as he/she can get us out of this recession"
- "I don't care about values as long as he/she can improve the economy"
- "I don't care about ethics as long as he/she can keep us safe"
- They say "What difference does it make as long as he does a good job?"
That mindset is what has got us into the mess that we are in today! Many argue that there is no connection between a man's personal life and his political abilities. What a person in leadership believes and does in his personal life greatly affects his decisions. And his decisions will have an impact on this nation.
- Consider this analogy provided by Dr. Adrian Rogers - Suppose you were going to have open-heart surgery. Would you want the surgeon to come from the restroom and into the operating room without even washing his hands? Would you want him to hold your heart in his hands if they were not sanitary? I want the hands of those who hold the heart of this nation to be clean. Clean hands and a pure heart are necessary for godly leadership and godly leadership is a prerequisite to blessing.(source: Dr. Adrian Rogers' sermon "Does Character Count" www.loveworthfinding.com)
I realize that there are some who are going to say "well, all of them are corrupt". And it is true that there is no perfect candidate. Each of them are mortal human beings. But there are some who are blatant and unapologetic in their immorality. Ignoring this will be very dangerous for our country. In every election there seems to be a candidate that seems to have more character and integrity that the rest. But we are always told that a vote for that person would be wasted because he/she cannot win. Does this mean that we should ignore our convictions and principles and cast a vote for someone else because they have a better chance of winning? I submit to you that this is one more reason that we are in the mess we are in today!
- If God's people disregard the truths found in His Word... if we willfully elect a president whose life is consumed with immorality we will suffer greatly. Israel learned this lesson the hard way. Consider:
V. THE IMPENDING TROUBLES OF THOSE WHO CRY OUT FOR A KING - v21 And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD. 22 And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.
After Samuel confronted the elders of Israel and they rejected his warning, he relayed this information the God. The Lord said "Okay, give them what they want". They wanted a king so God gave them a king. The Lord chose a man of the tribe of Benjamin named Saul. Saul was anointed as the first King of Israel.
Look with me to - 1 Samuel 10:17 ¶And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh; 18 And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you: 19 And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us....
If you read the record of Saul's reign you will find that the people suffered as a result of their choice. They suffered just like the Lord said. Worst of all, they suffered without the Lord's help. Remember His warning? - "Ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day" (1 Samue18:18).
Their evil king was their choice. God said to them "Don't expect me to come to your aid when your king leads you into disaster! What a sobering thought for America today. God requires character of leaders, but He honors the choices of the people. This is not to say that He approve of the choices.But in His wisdom God allows us to choose our leaders. - In Hosea 8:4, God says, "They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not."
When we do not seek God in our choices concerning our leaders we cannot expect God to guide or protect us from the consequences. "WICKED RULERS ARE GOD'S REWARD FOR WICKED PEOPLE."
As a result of the immoral actions of President Bill Clinton in the 1990's, the Southern Baptists adopted a resolution concerning "Moral Character of Public Officials". Listen to what it said:
"WHEREAS, Some journalists report that many Americans are willing to excuse or overlook immoral or illegal conduct by unrepentant public officials so long as economic prosperity prevails; and tolerance of serious wrong by leaders sears the conscience of the culture, spawns unrestrained immorality and lawlessness in the society, and surely results in God’s judgment"
"Therefore, be it RESOLVED, That we, the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention, meeting June 9-11, 1998, in Salt Lake City, Utah, affirm that moral character matters to God and should matter to all citizens, especially God’s people, when choosing public leaders; and Be it further RESOLVED, That we implore our government leaders to live by the highest standards of morality both in their private actions and in their public duties, and thereby serve as models of moral excellence and character;"
"Be it finally RESOLVED, That we urge all Americans to embrace and act on the conviction that character does count in public office, and to elect those officials and candidates who, although imperfect, demonstrate consistent honesty, moral purity and the highest character." - (source http://www.sbc.net/resolutions/773/resolution-on-moral-character-of-public-officials)
My friends, we cannot accept this resolution when it comes to Democrats and hypocritically ignore the immoral character of Republicans in office and those attempting to be elected!
I realize that like Israel there is much frustration concerning the state of our country. We all want a change. Let's make sure that the change we seek is the change we need. Let us heed God's warning. May we look to His Word to guide us through this election cycle. Let us select a leader that will honor God and stand for truth and liberty. If not then we must be prepared to suffer the consequences.
I will vote. The person who is elected may not be who I would choose. If some blatantly immoral politician (republican or democrat) is sworn in on January 2017 it will not be because I cast a vote for them. If you go to the polls this week and make the conscious choice to vote for someone in the primary with no moral fiber, don't cry out to God when things get worse than they already are! If you do you may He may tell you "Don't cry to me... this is what you wanted isn't it?
When another war breaks out... When ISIS attacks here on American soil... When we see a calamity that rivals 9/11... When the stock market crashes... When riots break out... When unrest and turmoil abounds, when these things come to pass the first thing people will do is cry out to God for help. How sad will it be when God does not hear our cry!
This upcoming election will give us the opportunity to vote as representatives of Christ! We are His ambassadors. Let us uphold the truth. Let us trust in the Word of God. Though I would encourage you to vote, I would also remind you that you hope is not in a presidential candidate. No political party can solve the real problem in America today. If we are expecting the current frontrunners to turn things around morally we are in deep trouble.
There is no need for us to cry out for a King. We already have One and His name is Jesus. In fact He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Our hope is found in Him. The answer for America, the only answer is for us to rapidly turn back to Him. I love America... I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. But it is getting to the point where I don't even recognize my country anymore. For hundreds of years God has truly blessed this great nation. Now look at how we have thanked Him! If you come up and punch me in the nose and then ask me for 100 dollars, you aren't going to get it... not from me!
America constantly spits in God's face and then asks Him to bless us! We have legalized immorality. We have normalized wickedness. What God calls an abomination is now legal in all 50 states. We have kicked God out of our schools, our government, our homes and in many cases our churches. We blatantly spit in His face and then ask Him to bless us!
Every disaster that comes...Anytime we face a calamity.... When we endure hurricanes, tornados, droughts, floods, pandemics, social unrest and many other problems we run to God and cry out "God Bless America". What did He tell Israel? - 1 Samuel 8:18 And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.
If God would do this to Israel, America is not exempt. But I am glad to know that no matter what happens in America, no matter what happens in this life...GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE!
There was a time when Pilate asked the Jews "Shall I crucify your King?" and they replied "we have no king but Caesar." Whatever this election cycle brings, we as Christians can boldly say "WE HAVE NO KING BUT CHRIST! We have no need to cry out for a King...OUR KING REIGNS SUPREME!!!
Things in our country are bad and seem to be getting worse. There needs to be a change...EVERYONE wants change. But I am afraid the change we get, will not be the change that we need. Again I say our hope is not going to be found in a Democrat, a Republican, an Independent, a Conservative or a Liberal. Our only hope is Jesus Christ. We must look to God for direction. In fact, He has already given us the proper guidance in His Word. He tells us in - 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Here He tells us what He will do. But we must do our part. We must humble ourselves and pray and seek His face. Instead of crying out for a king, may we humbly cry out to the One True King... Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
