Still on the throne

1 Samuel 12: 22

For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own.

We are living in uncertain times. We are not confident of the rulers that are in authority. We elect them democratically, yet we cannot blindly trust their judgment. Why? Well, they are humans just like us. They are bound to fall and fail, to commit wrong, to misjudge and to succumb to a temptation. No one is exempt. Except a man or woman grounded in the Word of God, of which there is a dearth in our current world. How difficult it is to find a man or woman after God’s own heart!

Israelites begged Samuel to appoint a king over them just like their neighbors. Appalled at their request, Samuel forewarned them about the hardships that they would face if there is a man who ruled over them instead of God. They ignored all his warnings as they wished to be just like their pagan neighbors. To have a king rule over them was the trend in the land and not an invisible God who still was their one and true King.

Reluctantly, Samuel appointed Saul as king as God suggested. Soon after, Saul disobeyed God pertaining to sacrifice. Enraged, Samuel left Saul to his misdeeds. In his farewell speech, Samuel warned Israelites again of their choice of a man instead of God. However, he urged them to follow God and not rebel against Him. Both the king and the Israelites are supposed to obey God with all their hearts. Then God will flourish them in the land and protect them from all their enemies. If they don’t then God will not spare them of His wrath. That said, Samuel prayed for thunder and rain to fall from heaven. When the Israelites witnessed God’s power, they were terrified and realized their sin of asking for a king.

Samuel, in his kindest voice, eased their fears urging them to continue to worship God and follow Him. He promised that God will not reject them if they obey Him. Even though there might be a king who ruled them, God is still their true King and God. He is the only one who requires of their utmost devotion. He is the only one who will never fail to keep His promises.

In these uncertain times, we are reminded again through Samuel’s farewell speech that no matter who governs us, God is still our true God and King. Our devotion must be to Him and Him alone. Yes, we can be patriotic, loyal to our countries and the rulers who govern them. However, they should never take the place of God in our lives. We should not place all our trust in them hoping that they would be the ones who will bring change and a better future. If they fail, we are the ones who feel disappointed and lose faith. How much more is the need of the hour to place our trust in one true God and King!

God is still on the throne and He will never forsake His own!