God Grants the Request of the People

Text: 1 Samuel 8:1-22

Reflection and Question: God’s description through Samuel of the price of life under a king is quite accurate given the historical record. And yet the people insist that they must have a king fight their battles for them. In so doing, the people of Israel cast away their special relationship with God and their responsibility to fight for themselves — and God does not stop them from their folly. Where do you see people today asking for a king the way the Israelites did of Samuel?

Prayer: God of Abraham and Sarah, keep us from this folly of Your Israelite people. Help us to fight our own battles and to look to You for the qualities we desire in a king. Give to us as You see fit rather than granting our foolish wishes. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).