Many of us will miss the opportunity of coming into our destiny and basking in the blessings God has ordained from the beginning of time for us, because our focus is on the temporary and on the transient – things that will pass away. Many are the attractions of this world which steal our joy and turn our minds off the reality of life. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Each of us has a future cut out for him/her whether we know this or not – a destiny laid down from the foundation of the world. It may not necessarily be made known to us. It is God’s design; and He will make it come to pass at the opportune time.
The Israelites had requested from the prophet Samuel a king over Israel on the grounds that the prophet was ageing and that there was no apparent successor. His sons had become irresponsible and were unlikely to succeed him. The real cause went beyond that. They wanted a king “such as all the other nations have.” (1 Samuel 8:5) This request was like turning their backs on God who all along had been their guide and protector. They had come of age and wanted to go it alone. It grieved both Samuel and God and He had this to say to Samuel. “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king, as they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt…” (1 Samuel 8: 7-8)
God warned that they were in for some hard times and were likely to bring hardship on their sons and daughters who would be exploited by the king. “… and you yourselves will become his slaves. When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the Lord will not answer you in that day.” (Read 1 Samuel 8:11 – 18). Nevertheless, they insisted they wanted a king and God granted them one.
Have you, because of a few laurels on your curriculum vitae, gotten rid of God? Because you think you know it all, have you charted your pathway in life without reference to God’s compass to guide you? Is your business so prosperous that you have closed the door on the Lord’s face because you will need Him no longer? Are your eyes focused on loftier things that will bring honour to your name and to that of your family, leaving God, the architect, out of it all?
God in His goodness and his love for the Israelites, His first born, arranged for a king for them. This was His choice; “An impressive young man without equal among the Israelites – a head taller than any of the others.” (1 Samuel 9:2) These attributes remind us of Moses, (“he was a fine child.” (Exodus 2:2) Joseph “Now Joseph was well-built and handsome.“ (Genesis 39:6) and David “he was ruddy with a fine appearance and handsome features.” (1 Samuel 16:12) All of them were handsome and valiant young men put in the service of the Lord. Whilst this characteristic may not be exclusive in itself, we must observe that God pays attention to detail in His choice of those He calls to higher office.
