I Samuel 8:7
“The LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them.”
This is a very sad indictment towards the people; they’ve rejected God. Yet, God doesn’t reject them. He’s patient. Even though being governed by God would have been better for the people and a positive demonstration of their faith, He allows them to get what they want.
This passage is a demonstration of how the Lord created us with free will. Which means we are free to do as we choose. God could have punished them for asking such a thing. Thus not granting their request. Even though it’s sad for Him to see their choice, he grants it.
The same is true for us. He gives us free will to do as we choose. In Genesis, He provides a choice by giving them everything, except one tree. As the Israelites entered the promised land, He gave them a choice of life or death, blessing or curse; this was based on whether they served Him or not. We also have a choice. Will we serve Him or ourselves?
The first act of service is to accept Christ’s offer of salvation. When we do this He becomes our Lord and savior. However, lordship is a lifestyle. Luke 9:23 says, ‘And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”‘
I know this sounds frightening to give up one’s life. Where is my personality, what about my dreams and desires? Our fears are calmed when we realize God loves us supremely and wants the best for us; even better than know. Matthew 10:39 says, “He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.” Giving our lives to Christ is losing it. In doing so we find it. I Corinthians 2:9 says, ‘but just as it is written, “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.”’
Lord, thank You for the freedom to choose. Thank You for the incredible choice that You’ve given us. Help us to deny ourselves and go Your way.