GIVE US A KING         

It was a sad day for Israel of old when they rejected God as their King and begged Samuel to appoint an earthly king that they might identify with all the other nations. God gave them Saul, a man who was really physically impressive but irresponsible, immature, and who later proved to be emotionally unstable. (He even hid among the baggage when Samuel was ready to appoint him king). When Saul's condition worsened, David was called in to soothe his erratic spirit by playing upon his harp. But Saul's paranoia increased until he felt threatened by David and, as a result, attempted to kill him. Finally, Saul succumbed to self-destruction.

God told Israel they would regret their choice. "When that day comes," God forewarned them, "You will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the Lord will not answer you in that day." (1-Sam. 8:18) Israel was never the same again.

The lesson is appropriate for our age. God appointed his Son to reign over 'new' Israel, the Christian community. But like Israel of old, new Israel has rejected Jesus as her King and has chosen other kings to rule over her. You might recognize some of them, these 'kings' put new labels on such as, 'minister', 'pastor', 'evangelists', 'Doctors', and 'Reverends'. In the aggregate they form the Kingly Clergy!!!

God's children today are not content with the elders ('judges' under the old covenant) to shepherd them (1-Tim.5:17 & Tit.1:5-9). They want 'kings' who can fight their battles, speak for them, go to God on their behalf, make decisions for them, and organize 'sacrificial-offerings' (conduct 'church services'). Since that day when the kingly clergy was chosen, new Israel has not been the same. Since that day, her children have been in slavery.

Will God send 'prophets' (reformers), to free his children from bondage 'Egyptian slavery' and to dethrone the 'kings' who have made them brick makers and spiritual clones, walking around talking like robots?  Surely God will provide one or more 20th century reformers to help free the slaves. Look around, maybe reformation has already begun, and true restoration of 1st century NT Christianity is just over the horizon.

Yours for Truth and Freedom.....Horace Hooper