The Consequences of Getting What You Want

By Dean Collins

They got what they wanted but then had to live with the results. That is basically what the prophet Samuel said in his farewell speech found in 1 Samuel 12. Samuel was not keen on the idea of appointing a king in the first place, and he had let God know his thoughts. However, the people kept pressing the prophet and God for a king to rule over them, so the Lord told Samuel to name Saul as Israel’s king. That’s the short version. 1 Samuel chapters eight through eleven tell the more detailed story.

The period of the judges was not unlike the previous centuries; God’s chosen people would obey God for a while and then drift into a range of behaviors that included rebellion, ingratitude, and worse, idol worship. Samuel was faithful to God, but his sons were not. The children of Israel saw that Samuel was getting older and his sons did not walk in the ways of God, so they cried out for a king.

Samuel gave a speech to all of Israel in chapter twelve, summarizing the situation and once again calling for Israel to be obedient to the Lord. But note Samuel’s words. Both the people and King Saul had to remain faithful to receive God’s blessings:

“If you will fear the Lord and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God, it will be well.” 

And the consequences of disobedience were clearly stated as well: 

“But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you and your king.”

This farewell speech from Samuel is not the end of his life but rather a shift in what God had planned both for Samuel and the nation. The people of God chose to be ruled by a king, so Samuel’s role would no longer be to judge them according to God’s instructions. Samuel was shifting into a role he would play in Saul’s life and later, in David’s life. But the people would now be led by a human who, they would soon find out, had flaws and agendas that were not divine but were at times rather selfish and evil.

Samuel then gives the listeners a sign from God to remind them of the power of God should they choose to disobey. It was harvest time and during this season it never rained. Samuel told them he was going to call upon God to send thunder and rain, which he did. The Israelites panicked and pleaded that Samuel pray for them. They realized that they had made a mistake in choosing a king.

Samuel said something interesting and worth noting: “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.” I suspect that it was clear to Samuel that the Israelites were not truly repenting for choosing a king but were fearful of God’s power in the moment and they begged Samuel to pray for them. Samuel basically said that it would be a sin for him to not pray for them. 

If you were listing sins to be avoided, I bet not praying for someone wouldn’t appear on the list. We might list things from the Ten Commandments like murder, stealing, adultery, and lying. But forgetting to pray for someone or, worse, refusing to pray for someone probably wouldn’t come to mind. Yet praying for one another is repeated several times in scripture. Consider this passage from Ephesians:

“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” (6:18 )

Part of spiritual warfare according to Paul includes praying at all times and for each other. This passage brings conviction to me to pray for you and all fellow Christians, that we would remember that Jesus is not only our savior but our Lord and King, and that to be his disciples we must first, and always, keep our allegiance to him above all things and people. It is so easy to get caught up in spending our energy and loyalty on things that matter little compared to the kingdom of God.

One of my mentors, Jimmy Collins, once told me that all of your decisions won’t be good but when you make a decision, you have to make the decision good. In other words, make good even from your mistakes. Israel made a mistake in demanding a king, but they still could make good out of it if they stayed faithful to God. They of course continued to fail and chose time and time again to follow idols and forgot to follow God’s instructions.

Out of God’s love and mercy and according to his perfect plan, he sent Jesus to save us from the penalty of our sins. Jesus conquered death and sent his Holy Spirit to fill us and guide us that we could walk in union with Jesus and be his ambassadors. We must remember that we are ambassadors of King Jesus first and always.  

So today, Father, we confess that we too often give into the temptation of giving loyalty to the ways of the world instead of pursuing you first in our lives. Forgive us. Today we also realize that you want us to always pray for each other, that we all would be faithful in our walk with you as your kingdom ambassadors. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and guide us today, that those around us would see and know your love as you use us to share your good news today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Your Time with God’s Word
1 Samuel 12:1-25 ESV

Photo by Pexels
To receive daily posts delivered directly to your inbox, complete the form at the bottom of our home page.