Rejecting God? 

1 Samuel 8:5(HCSB)

…appoint a king to judge us the same as all the other nations have.

1 Samuel 8:7

But the Lord told [Samuel], “…They have not rejected you; they have rejected Me as their king….”

The Lord speaks to Moses ” face to face as a man speaks unto his friend” (Exodus 33:11) because the children of Israel fear God and refuse to go to the mountain with Moses. God desires to dwell among His people. God walks daily in the garden with Adam until sin causes separation between God and Man. Even on giving Moses the instructions for the tabernacle, God’s presence dwells in the midst.

Throughout the book of Judges, God allows His spirit to move upon men & women to lead Israel into victory over their enemies. God raises Samuel as a prophet to give voice to His commands. Israel removes foreign gods and listens to the instructions of Samuel until his old age and rebellious sons cause the people to seek a king. 

Samuel takes offense at this request. The cry of the people acts as personal judgement, but God tells Samuel the people are not rejecting him, but God, Himself. The people take their eyes off of God and seek the leadership of man. Rejection of God is the beginning of destruction. The reason the people state: to be the same as other nations. How sad. Israel, God’s chosen people, wants to be like everyone else. 

In your own life today have you rejected God? Are there things or people you revere more than your time with the Lord? God has spoken to you through His Word. You can glean from the pages of the Bible the instructions you need to follow for success in your everyday life. If you reject the commands of God,  then you are rejecting God. If you allow other people to influence you contrary to God’s Word, then you are rejecting God. 

Stand firm today. Call upon Jesus, and He will answer. You will be surprised to see the Lord’s handiwork active in your life when you choose to follow Him wholeheartedly. He sends the answers in different ways, so be watchful and maintain an attitude of thanksgiving and prayer. 

Philippians 4:6-7(HCSB)

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.