February 20, 2024

Did you know that Samuel had two sons? He had appointed them as judges, but they loved having money and took bribes from the highest bidder, making unfair judgments. The people got tired of the injustice and asked Samuel for a king, saying he was getting too old. My commentary says that he was around 60 years old! There's nothing like the Bible reminding you that you're getting old; I turn 60 this year. Anyway, that's not the point. The point is that God was their King, and by asking for an earthly king, they were not only rejecting Samuel, but they were also rejecting God. When Samuel went to God, he comforted him by understanding his emotional pain because He felt it, too. If you've ever had that fleeting thought that God doesn't understand you, know this: he has felt the sting of rejection just as we have. Go to Him when you are hurting emotionally; he understands you more than any human can. Make and keep Him as the King of your life; he wants you to rely on Him above all others. He sees your pain and can comfort and quiet your soul, bringing you peace that is unequal to the peace that any earthly being could ever bring you.  

This verse brings tears to my eyes because I can almost feel God's pain. Rejection is bitter, but God's comfort is healing.

And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. 1 Samuel 8:7