Samuel: Renewing the Kingdom

Minister:
Date: PM
Text: I Samuel 11:14-12:25
Psalters: 237, 229, 240, 413
  1. Israel’s wickedness.
    1. In asking for a king Israel had violated God’s covenant and rejected her only King (8:7,8; 10:17-19; 12:12,17).
      1. This requires a renewed expression of allegiance to God (11:14).
      2. They all must accept Saul as king (10:27 & 11:12,13) and they all must re-accept God’s kingdom rule over them.
    2. Samuel begins by displaying the wickedness of their request.
      1. God’s care had been through Samuel, and could they accuse Samuel (and God’s use of him) of anything? No!
      2. Nor could Israel accuse Jehovah of failing them, but on the contrary, Jehovah only dealt with them in grace.
    3. Samuel makes clear that their safety does not depend on a king but whether they fear/obey Jehovah (14,15).
  2. God powerfully demonstrates Jehovah’s just response to their wicked motive behind their request for a king.
    1. Without pausing, Samuel demonstrates God’s ability to make things bad if they do not fear/obey Him (16ff).
    2. So stand and see what Jehovah will do (16). A severe thunderstorm which destroys their wheat harvest.
      1. This showed what destruction God was able to bring on them as a curse for disobedience (Deut. 28:15-68).
      2. A king cannot keep them safe from God’s thunderstorm.
    3. This affected Israel as a whole: they feared both Jehovah and Samuel (18b).
  3. Is there any hope for those who do all this wickedness? Yes, because of grace there is a hopeful future (20,21,24).
    1. When His people come to see their sin for what it is, then God assures them that He “will not forsake His people.”
    2. This can be because God’s covenant is sovereign and gracious; and because it is “for His great name’s sake.”
    3. God’s gracious work spurs us forward to fear Him and serve Him with our all.
    4. We respond in fear and love because of gratitude!
    5. Samuel responds to the people request for prayers (19a) by promising to pray ceaselessly (23).