Heaven Rules

Samuel began to age as most of us do.  Samuel had sons so when he got old he appointed his sons as Judges for Israel.  1 Samuel Chapter 8.  His sons names were Joel and Abijah.  You won’t even believe this!  His sons didn’t walk in Samuel’s ways.  They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.

Imagine what Samuel is thinking.   “Good grief you two!  Did you not believe me or even hear me when I told you the stories of Hophni and Phinehas and their Dad Eli who I succeeded? Hello people!  Remember.  They all died as a result of their disregard for God.”  

Imagine the inner turmoil for Samuel. 

I bet it didn’t help when the elders gathered and came to Samuel with their solution to the dilemma either.

I know it looked like they needed a plan.  It looked like this problem of theirs (the Israelites) required a solution. Sammy was getting old.  Samuel’s sons were no good.  It didn’t look like there was any other way.   The Israelites looked around and  saw how others were doing it.  They saw how others were carrying on with a king.  It must have looked good to them.   I guess they were afraid of the future with no known leader.  

But they forgot Heaven rules!  God is their KING.    HE had brought them this far without their input.    HE had provided a leader when it looked as if there was no one.   They never asked for Samuel.  If they thought about it Samuel was not the “earth” plan.  Samuel was not in the line of Eli, hence Aaron.   God raised up someone HE knew could judge HIS people.  God grew Samuel and developed a relationship with him and provided direction and leadership and all that they needed.   Every single time.   God was not dependent on the Israelites.  They were dependent on HIM. 

Selah (pause and calmly think on that).

Let’s pray.

Father,
Help me.  Oh, how I can so relate.  So many times I develop plans because I see a need for a solution.  And If I am honest I don’t consult YOU.  Help me to remember Heaven rules.  Every single time.  In every single thing.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM,
Liz