BETTER THAN YOUR BEST GUESS
READING: 1 Samuel 8:1-22
In 1 Samuel 8, the Bible describes the elders of Israel who were in the process of going to Samuel the great prophet with a complaint. They wanted to have a king so they could be like the other nations around them. It says that Samuel was displeased with their request, so he prayed to the Lord. The difference in responses between the elders and Samuel, demonstrates two styles of decision making. The elders made a decision based on their observations of those around them and their desire to be like the neighboring nations. They reached a conclusion based on some degree of logic, but for the most part guided by their feelings. There was some emotion involved for Samuel also. The Bible states he was displeased with the elders. He could have been displeased enough for him also to act upon his feeling. Samuel’s choice, however, was to not permit his feeling to rule. Instead, he prayed to the Lord. The remainder of Chapter 8 confirms the godliness that resulted from Samuel’s choice, which opened the situation to the leadership of the Lord. Like Samuel, it is best for us also to pray to the Lord so that godliness will result in our decision making. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.
RESPONSE
1. Is your decision making enough like the elders that change is needed? If so, how should you change?
2. Are you more like Samuel in your decision making? If so, what does that indicate to you regarding future decisions?
