Samuel was displeased when they asked for a king to judge them. He prayed to the Lord, however, who said in answer:”Grant the people’s every request. It is not you they reject, they are rejecting me as their king.”
I have recently had to have a family discussion with a relative about going to a nursing home or assisted living. I dreaded the conversation. I prayed about it and had my talk with Jesus. I put it off and then put it off another day. Surprise! Surprise! When we finally had the talk, all went very well. It was a family discussion and Jesus, my King, came through.
Of course the people of Israel at the time did not have a King like Jesus. The people who were contemporaries of Samuel just wanted to be like all the other nations of the known world. They wanted their own king. It was a trend. Much like last years technology that is in the trash. The people, however, refused to listen to Samuel’s warning and said, “Not so! There must be a king over us. We too must be like other nations, with a king to rule us.
Jesus in His ministry was rejected by some. Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus immediately knew in His mind, what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘ Your sins are forgiven,’ or say ‘rise, pick up your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” – he said to the paralytic, ” I say to you, rise up your mat and go home”.
Look at today we both awoke this morning because Jesus has authority over me, my problems and the problems of those I love. He is the King of my life. I don’t depend on the grace of some imperfect human king or today’s trend. I know who has the power. I am so thankful that I give Him the credit. Today may be the day from hell but Jesus and I will get through it. So will Jesus and you.
This reminded recently about Job. I hope that I am never tested like he was. It is not surprising that God knew the outcome. The devil did not. Jesus, our King, knows the outcome of our lives. If He can make a paralytic walk, forgive our sins and get us through any difficulty , because I know Jesus has the authority to solve that difficulty. Jesus will respect our wishes if we take another direction, but life is so much easier with Him in charge. Amen!
God Love You Always
Bob Burford
Please pray for all those with cancer.
Picture credit: “‘Jesus Christ Pantokrator’ – Byzantine mosaic, years 817-824 – Santa Prassede Church in Rome” by Carlo Raso is licensed under CC PDM 1.0
