God With Us

"John 12:12-36

Government of humans

God had planned that his people would be different from others. He planned a society in which God himself was the king. But Israel wanted to be like everyone else. A direct rule of God only works when the people are wholly devoted to God. If not, it results in the chaos we saw in Judges. It is better to have a human king than no king at all. We might list the preferences like this:

God as King: The situation God wanted – his perfect will

A human king: The situation God allowed – his permissive will

No king: The situation in Judges – chaos.

The people of God rejected his rule. The Lord says, ‘they have rejected me as their king’ (8:7). The people ask for a king. They say, ‘appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have’ (v.5).

Samuel warns them that human governments are weak and fallible. Power corrupts. Samuel warns that the king who will rule over them will take some of their families, land, possessions and employees and use them for his own benefit and that of his inner circle (vv.11–16).

In other words, he warns them about the failings and weaknesses of all human government. He also warns them about taxes and ‘extensive bureaucracy’! (v.15, MSG).
In spite of the warning, the people say, ‘We want a king over us’ (v.19). The Lord allowed ‘plan B’: he gave them a king (v.22). Saul is chosen to be the anointed leader of Israel to deliver his people (v.16). The moment Samuel sees Saul, in the blink of an eye he recognises that this was the man who was going to govern the people of God (9:17). Saul, who comes from a humble background (v.21), becomes the anointed king (10:1).  

God graciously blesses this new plan. Three remarkable things happen to Saul (which now happen to every Christian). First, when he is anointed the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him in power (v.6b). Second, he is ‘transformed’. He becomes a new person (v.6c, see 2 Corinthians 5:17). Third, Samuel tells him ‘Whatever job you’re given to do, do it. God is with you!’ (v.7, MSG).

This was true of Saul and it is true of you. However down you might feel about a circumstance, however far from God you may feel, however difficult you may find it to pray, whatever doubts you have, he is still with you.

Almighty God, give wisdom to those who serve as leaders in our nation. Grant that ‘they may lay aside all private interests and partial affections, and take counsel together for the glory of thy name, the maintenance of true religion and justice, and the welfare, peace and unity of the realm; through Jesus Christ our Lord’. (Adapted from the House of Commons Prayer)."

1. Thank You Lord for being with me however far I feel from You at times because of my failures.

2. Thank You for risks, that I may trust in You more as I face them.

3. Thank You also for having a good walk always.