“Lord, we thank you for all those who spend their lives trying to make ours better – for those who educate, train and advise in my community.”
““Do everything they say to you,” the LORD replied, “for they are rejecting me, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer.”
1 Samuel 8:7 NLT
There is power in the words we use. Words are the means by which God created the world: ‘God said…’ They are also the means we use to communicate ideas and feelings. With words we construct our understanding of ourselves, others and the world we inhabit. Words lay the foundations for realities we have to live with.
My mum is a great example of this. She tends to make her mind up quickly and independent of any external advice, but unintended consequences become apparent over time. This is why seeking the counsel and wisdom of others is a good thing. Also, waiting on critical decisions is useful. In my younger days I was much like my mum, and life was more chaotic than it needed to be.
Here Israel looks for a simple answer to a complex problem. The problem – discerning God’s will in daily living. This is something I have struggled with over the years, initially suffering the fear of stepping out of God’s will, through to a complete confusion as to what God’s will is. Life happens to me, and is this a consequence of failing to live within God’s will? Or is it the reality of God inviting me to discover more of the kingdom though life experience, trusting that whatever the scale of the challenge, I will find my way and God’s way?
Imagining there is a simple answer to the way and will of God is foolish. The elders’ insistence, while looking a lot like assured leadership, was actually a rejection of God. Certainty is an illusion we cherish in a world that seeks to manage risk. We should not be surprised if God acts like the least risk averse person we will ever encounter.
QUESTION
Has life thrown you a curved ball lately?
PRAYER
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, may my heart desire your kingdom above my own, your will not my will, and your purpose in all things. Give me eyes to discern your kingdom way, and hands that work in collaboration with your Holy Spirit to build that kingdom here on the earth. I entrust myself to you once more this day.
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