Then Samuel called the people together to the LORD at Mizpah, and said to the children of Israel, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all kingdoms and from those who oppressed you.’ But you have today rejected your God, who Himself saved you from all your adversities and your tribulations; and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us!’ Now therefore, present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and by your clans.” —1 Samuel 10:17 -19
When Israel wanted a king to rule over them like the other nations, God was not pleased. He told them because they wanted to be like the rest of world, they were rejecting Him. Samuel called their act one of great wickedness (1 Samuel 12: 17). This scripture shows us the importance of having Jesus not only as our Savior but as our King.
So, who is your King? What have you exalted higher than God? Which of God’s laws have you rejected in preference for the world’s way? Have you adopted any views of the world system? Have you compromised God’s laws in any way just to fit in?
Sometimes in our walk with God, we may make compromises or we may not adhere to His word in some way. We realize that areas like forgiving, lending and not expecting repayment, giving, praying for our enemies, expressing brotherly love to all, etc. often pose challenges to our way of being, thinking and living. We quickly learn that God’s laws are very different to how the world operates.
But the choice is ours. When we choose to live by Jesus’ ways, we are making Him the King of our lives. The decision to live out loud for God – knowing His word and applying it daily in our lives proves best. As we read Deuteronomy 28, we see two different results: (1) living by God’s commands brings more than enough blessings in our lives and (2) there are dire consequences of rejecting God and disobeying His laws.
It is necessary that we then walk in righteousness, and experience great peace and joy (Romans 14:17). Having Jesus as King in our lives brings us many blessings:
| Presence of God– The abiding presence of God is in us.“If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:15-17) |
| Peace– We will have great peace in the midst of life’s troubles.“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) |
| Protection– God will fight our battles and defeat our enemies.“Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:14) |
| Provision – He will sufficiently supply every need in our lives.“As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.” (1 Peter 1:3) |
| Prosperity– God will empower us to be wealth creators and distributors.“And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” (Deuteronomy 8:18). |
| Power– As Jesus’ king-priest, you have authority over the enemy.“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 28:1) |
God is graciously blesses us when we are obedient children. Our obedience to God determines the level of success we experience in life. God promises that when we obey Him and let Him be the King of our lives, He will overtake us with blessings (Deuteronomy 28:2). Can you imagine that – God’s blessings running ahead of you before you reach the next stage of your life!
Take time to look at your life and ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you are not allowing God’s rule in your life. Ask for forgiveness. Make a 360 degree turn away from being in charge or doing things your way to obeying God. You will be all the more blessed for this – having His peace and joy.
Let Jesus be king in all your life and receive the blessings of obedience.