Wanting What We Already Have: The Search for a King
Pastor Kara Veach
In the hustle and bustle of our modern world, where streaming platforms and social media inundate our daily lives, it's easy to fall into the trap of always wanting something new, shiny, and exciting. As humans, we have an innate desire for direction, leadership, and fulfillment. But in a world where everyone seems to be right in their own eyes, where do we turn for true guidance?
As we explore what the Israelites did when they weren’t satisfied with the judges who were ruling them, let’s consider what we do when we want something we don’t think we have. If you missed out on the live experience or simply want to revisit the message, Click the Link above to catch the full sermon.
The Story of Desire
Many of us have experienced the joy of no-commercial streaming platforms, but prior to this wonder, when cable still was the norm, it was a different experience raising little children. When I would need to clean or cook dinner and found myself putting my kids in front of a Disney Jr. show, it would be a wonderful experience putting them in front of Jake and The Neverland Pirates, or Sofia the First and experience an uninterrupted 15-20 minutes of bliss. However, when my kids would go to friends houses and watch the same show on the cable “Disney Jr. Channel”, they would come back telling me about all these new toys they wanted.
Just like when the Amazon catalogue or Target gift guide shows up at the door around Christmas time, after watching commercials catered to the minds of 3-8 year olds, my children would all of a sudden desire things they never knew existed otherwise. Toys, bikes, electronics, play sets, and dolls that were never on their radar before would fill their brain and cause them to envy children they didn’t even know.
I think we can all be like this, and based on 1 Samuel 8, we’ve been like this for a long time.
The Craving to Be Like Others
In 1 Samuel 8, we find the Israelites at a crossroads in their history. After being ruled by judges (in a theocracy governing system), they yearned for something different. Despite the leadership provided by these judges, the Israelites found themselves unsatisfied. In their pursuit of normalcy and status, they turned to Samuel and demanded a king, just like all the other nations. Their desire to be like others stemmed from a deep-rooted craving for belonging and recognition.
1 Samuel 8:1,3-6 (NIV) - 1 When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders… 3 But his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice. 4 So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. 5 They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” 6 But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord.
The Israelites' longed to emulate their neighbors - other countries that were ruled by a monarchy. They desired to be great like these other nations, and not follow the plans of the Lord. It's crucial to recognize our own inclination to follow suit. From childhood aspirations of becoming princesses or idols to the adult pursuit of success and status, we, too, desire to be like others.
Middle school is a prime example of a time period where we are so desperate to be like others, that we’ll go to great lengths to try to fit in. I remember saving up my money to buy my first “Abercrombie and Fitch” t-shirt, just so I could wear the branded t-shirt to school and fit in with everyone else. It was from the sale rack, orange, cap-sleeved, and said Abercrombie and Fitch on the front. There was nothing special about the shirt, except that I thought that it would bring me the status I was looking for. Whether it's the allure of fame or the pursuit of material possessions, our craving to be great often leads us astray or distracts us from what we already have.
The Urge to Be Led
Leadership plays a significant role in fulfilling our need for direction and guidance. Whether it's seeking advice from podcasts or attending leadership conferences, we are drawn to strong leaders who can navigate us through life's uncertainties. Yet, even those in leadership positions find themselves craving reprieve from decision fatigue, yearning for someone else to lead the way.
The Israelites not only wanted a king to be like everyone else, they craved a king to lead them (even though they had one all along!). Samuel warned them that if they had a king like all the other nations, a king would take advantage of them. A king would take their women, recruit their sons for war, take their land, and tax them excessively.
1 Samuel 19-20 (NIV) - 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.”
In our quest for a leader who can satisfy our every need, we often place our hope in human institutions and figures. However, no earthly leader can compare to the unwavering guidance offered by King Jesus. While elections may remind us of our desire for trustworthy leadership, it's essential to remember that our faith in government should never supersede our faith in God.
The Pursuit of Peace
Amidst the chaos of life, we all yearn for peace. Whether it's the avoidance of tragedy or the resolution of conflict, our hearts long for serenity. In our pursuit of peace, we often seek solace in external sources, hoping that they will provide the tranquility we crave. Yet, as the Israelites discovered, true peace can only be found in the unwavering presence of our King.
As we reflect on the Israelites' desire for a king to fight their battles and bring them peace, let us not forget the ultimate source of peace—King Jesus. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, He alone offers the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Deuteronomy 20:4 - For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.
The Need for a True King
The story of the Israelites serves as a poignant reminder of our innate longing for direction, greatness, leadership, and peace. Yet, as we navigate life's complexities, we must remember that our ultimate fulfillment can only be found in King Jesus. He is the one true King who reigns supreme over all aspects of our lives.
So, as you go about your day, I encourage you to reflect on where you've placed your hope and allegiance. Are you seeking fulfillment in fleeting desires and earthly leaders, or have you anchored your heart in the unchanging love of King Jesus?
Before we conclude, let's take a moment to reflect on these questions:
Where have I placed my hope for fulfillment and guidance?
Am I seeking peace in external sources, or am I trusting in King Jesus?
How can I surrender my desires for earthly recognition and status and find contentment in God's provision?
Now, if you're interested in delving deeper into today's message, I encourage you to click the link above for the full sermon.
Further Reading
For additional insights on finding fulfillment in King Jesus, consider exploring the following resources:
Article: “Did God Intend For Israel to Have a King? (1 Samuel 8)” - by Zachary Garriss
Book: Desiring God, Revised Edition: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist by John Piper
Other Links
Want to hear more? Check out last week's message titled, "Living Set Apart," on YouTube by Pastor Victoria Sowell from View Church.
For additional resources, such as bible studies and videos, visit our resources page.