STOP AND LOOK

READING: 1 SAMUEL 8:1-8

Verse 7: “And the LORD said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.”

Governments at all levels in our country today are vigorously removing Christian influence from their efforts to govern, with the result of limiting or removing Christian expression in American communities. This is a development that the founding fathers of our nation did not plan. Their intent was not to keep the practice of Christianity out of government. To the contrary, their purpose in separating church and state was to keep government from controlling the church in the manner that had developed in Europe. The bulk of their writings and speeches clearly and consistently called for godly influence in government as well as their personal lives. There is precedence in the Bible regarding choices in government. The nation of Israel made the choice to have a king to govern them. Today’s verse quotes God’s response to that choice. He acknowledged it as a rejection of Himself and His lordship. Subsequent events proved beyond doubt that that it was unwise to reject the Lord in their decision about government. If only we would, in this time and day, accept the painful lesson taught to the Israelites. If only we would adhere to the wisdom of our founders. If accepted, godly wisdom would certainly correct the decline that is evident daily, and restore the blessings that formerly existed. It is possible if our country will repent. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. How is God responding to our country’s rejection of Him?

2. Is our nation any different toward God than the Israelites?