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BY POPULAR DEMAND (8 OF 27)

by Keith Krell

Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:1-22
This content is part of a series.


By Popular Demand (8 of 27)
Series: Calling All Leaders
Keith Krell
1 Samuel 8:1-22


One of my favorite commercials when I was growing up was from Toyota. After promoting the benefits of their cars the announcer proclaimed, ''You asked for it, you got it-Toyota.'' This slogan sounds like a dream, doesn't it? You ask for it, you get it! Can you imagine having everything you want? What would your life be like? I'm sure you'd really like to know, right? You've heard that money, sex, alcohol, power, popularity, perfect children, toys, electronic gadgets, and leisure don't ultimately satisfy, but you'd love to test this theory. Perhaps you think you are the exception to this rule.

In 1 Samuel 8 Israel approaches Samuel with a selfish request for a king. God tells Samuel to warn Israel of the foolishness of their demand. Despite an unforgettable warning, Israel insists on having a king over them. Surprisingly, God tells Samuel to grant their wish. God's people eventually realize that their wish isn't all it's cracked up to be. Hence, they experience the dire consequences of their faulty decision. The point of the story is: Watch what you want; you might get what you ask for.

1. Israel demands a king (8:1-9). Our story begins with three surprising verses: ''And it came about when Samuel was old that he appointed his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judging in Beersheba. His sons, however, did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after dishonest gain and took bribes and perverted justice'' (8:1-3). Samuel had successfully led Israel as a judge for decades. He was faithful to God's people and was used by God to bring revival to Israel. However, between chapters 7 and 8 a span of several decades has transpired. Now as Samuel prepares to wrap up his ministry he appoints his sons as judges. Joel's name means, ''Yahweh is God'' and Abijah means, ''My Father is Yahweh.'' Yet, these b ...

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