Articles
Rejecting God as King
Rejecting God as King
As we see the transition from the period of judges to the period of the kings, we are once again made to realize how little we really understand. It is clear from our reading that the people reject God as their king. The free will of the people has been on display throughout the period of the judges. God continues to allow them to make bad choices but then holds them accountable.
God, while allowing them to choose how they live, gives them wise advice. He has given them His law to instruct them. Now, as they clamor for a king, God has Samuel instruct them on the consequences of such a choice.
When, even after such stern warnings, they continue their demand for a king, God is active in the choosing, appointing, and even preparing Saul to be king. THEN, He has Samuel write down these instructions and put them where they can be read and remembered. They will now be held accountable for rejecting God as king and demanding an earthly king.
We see Saul being chosen of God and then prepared for leadership of God's people. God will then allow him to choose how he follows God and makes bad choices. At each step, he is warned and disciplined. When, against all such efforts to guide him, he continues in disobedience, God removes him and chooses David.
BUT, God had already made provision for this many generations earlier! He had chosen Judah to produce one who would yield the scepter (Gen. 49:10). He had given instructions thru Moses concerning how a king should conduct himself (Deut. 17:14f).
As we see the whole picture of God's plan unfold, we see Jesus being crowned king of kings and once again we have God ruling over us. Thus, we see on the one hand the plan, purpose, and foreknowledge of God; yet we see on the other hand the freedom of choice that God allows humanity. They are not free from consequences and judgment, but they were allowed to choose. They can walk in humble submission to God and be blessed; or they can rebel, be used of God for His purposes anyway, and end up condemned.
So it is with us. God has instructed us on how we ought to live before Him. God does not force us to obey and follow. God holds us accountable and will bring us to judgment for what we have done. God's purpose and plan for His creation, including humanity, will prevail. Are you choosing wisely to follow Jesus as king? Hugh DeLong
