Rejecting God

Dear Class,

Today's reading is taken from 1Samuel 8-10.

Here we read of a stiff-necked nation, "jumping on the bandwagon" of the foreign nations, to go a whoring after a physical king of their own. And subsequently the anointing of the first king of Israel, Saul.

In 1Sa 8:7 -  And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

Indeed, rejecting God applies not just to atheists or unbelievers! Often, even the Lord's people are found guilty of rejecting Him. When we fail to submit to His authority, but putting our worldly lusts before Him, we have rejected God.

Wherefore James wrote - Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (Jam 4:4)

Even spiritual authority can be substituted! Paul warned Timothy of the impending apostacy within the ranks - For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2Ti 4:3,4)

Notice in v.3 "but after their OWN lusts shall they HEAP to THEMSELVES teachers..." certainly sounds a lot like the Israelites wanting to appoint themselves kings just to follow the rest of the world. And the strangest thing is, man often chooses the "bad deal" even after he knows of the consequences! Samuel did warn the people of the consequences of a physical king, yet the people refused to listen.

Yet, in spite of their rejection, God in His great mercy, continues to offer His grace to His people, if they would continue to seek and serve Him (as we shall read later in 1Sa 12).

Brethren, let us be forewarned! There can be no other supreme Ruler in our lives! As His Holy people, we need to make the conscious decision to choose Him as our King and guide. And when we do fall, repent and continue to serve Him, for He is merciful to all who would submit to Him.

in Him
Paul


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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ~ 1Thessalonians 5:17,18