Do You Have Another King?

In 1 Samuel 8, Israel wanted a king to be their ruler. Samuel was advancing in age and his sons "did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice" (1 Samuel 8:3). The people reminded him that he was old and his sons were not devoted as he is. So they wanted a king so they will be like the other nations.

God told Samuel, "Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them" (1 Samuel 8:7). Israel was not only rejecting Samuel's leadership, but, ultmately, they were rejecting God as their True King. Samuel does what the people tell him and throughout the Old Testament we see godly kings and wicked kings. We see kings that follow God but walked in darkness.

As Christians we believe that Jesus is the True King. He is the King who reigns in our hearts and desires. He is the King who is faithful who will never turn His back on us or cast us out. Here is a question that we need to ask ourselves: Do we have another king?

Is there another king who occupies our thoughts and desires. Is there another king who we seek the approval of? Is there another king that makes our affections for Christ seem like yesterday's news? We call this idolatry, when something or someone becomes our ultmate desire to worship more than God. It could be anything and anyone.

Today, do you have another king? If you do, confess that to God and repent. Jesus is a gracious King who allows those who have committed treason against His Father come for forgiveness of sin and a new life in Him.