What the Country Needs Now

Scripture Introduction

It might seem that nothing could be less relevant than a chapter from an ancient book, describing a transition in political power of a nation half the world away, which occurred over 3000 years ago! But the events of that day and time include:
• Corrupt politicians taking bribes;
• Conflicts and confusion over the relationship between God and government;
• Excessive taxation; and
• Messianic political leaders who would make the state into a “cradle to grave” director of people’s lives.

It sounds like USA Today instead of the Bible! But God has preserved, in this honest assessment of the fears and foolish choices of the people of Israel, a prescription for what every country needs. I will read 1Samuel 8, then we will ask the Lord of all nations to teach us from his Holy Word.

[Read 1Samuel 8.1-22. Pray.]

Introduction

We feel secure when we perceive no danger, and most of us appreciate that as a good feeling, one we hope to promote.

Some of us feel secure when we are confident of our ability to pay for future needs – so we are sensitive to the rise and fall of our retirement portfolio or prospects for continued employment. Others perceive a lack of danger when we fit in with our peers – so we can be pretty sensitive as to how we are received by those around us. A great many Americans want to feel secure about air travel – so the threat of terrorism has lead us to give up a number of freedoms and conveniences to accommodate increased airport security. Charles Schultz popularized the phrase “security blanket” for small children when he pictured Linus hugging his blanket, but people young and old want objects and circumstances which give us that good feeling of security.

It is not wrong to seek safety instead of feelings of vulnerability; but like most desires of the heart, the quest for security can lead us away from God and toward idolatry. 1Samuel 8 reveals that very problem ruling the hearts of God’s people at this critical juncture in Israel’s history.

For several generations, the people of Israel lived as separate clans with local judges deciding matters difficult or controversial. But Samuel grows old, their connection to God weakens, and his sons are well-known as irresponsible, even reprobate men. If you have read 1Samuel, you may remember that the book begins with the Priest Eli and his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Eli refused to discipline his sons, so God removes their household from the Priesthood. He says, “Those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”

Shortly thereafter, Israel goes into battle, where the Philistines capture the Ark of Covenant and Hophni and Phinehas are killed. When Eli hears the news, overcome with grief, he falls out of his chair, breaks his neck, and dies.
Samuel is then appointed priest and judge, and he leads Israel back to God with a time of peace and prosperity. The Ark is restored and God’s blessing again returns to his people.

But chapter 8 begins with Samuel’s two sons judging Israel poorly and we feel our anxiety rising. Samuel is old (like Eli) and his sons are corrupt (like Eli’s) and we sympathize with the elders who say, “This system is broken. We need stability, a way keep the nation moving in the right direction, a new system which avoids the up-and-down stress of you judges and your