Week 7: Kingdom of God

• Key verses: Judges 21:25; 1 Samuel 8:7, 13:14, 16:7
• Theocracy to Anarchy to Monarchy
• A man after God’s heart
• From Monarchy to Democracy
• Parting thoughts

Key verses

Judges 21:25 (NLT)

In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.

1 Samuel 8:7 (NLT)

“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 13:14(NLT)

But now your kingdom must end, for the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart. The Lord has already appointed him to be the leader of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.

1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Theocracy to Anarchy to Monarchy

Israel’s journey to a monarchy was not a good one. The cycle in Judges (follow God, reject God, get defeated, repent, get rescued, repeat) ultimately ended with anarchy. Everyone did whatever felt good to them. They found following God as their king to be too hard, so they demanded to be ruled like their neighbors. They wanted a man as their king.

They rejected their holy kingdom identity. Instead of being unique, ruled by God, they chose to blend, ruled by a man. How often do we choose the same path? Choosing to live like the world around us as opposed to living like a Jesus follower?

A man after God’s heart

Saul was the perfect choice for a king in eyes of man – good-looking, strong, respected family. But he was prideful and manipulative. Like Adam and Eve in the garden, he distorted the commands of God which resulted in God’s rejection of him.

God chose David, a man after his own heart – faithful, humble, obedient. David was by no means perfect. But he followed God and made no excuses for his personal shortcomings. What God saw in David was not a good-looking man but a faithful man. How does God see me? You?

From Monarchy to Democracy

When the United States of America was founded, it was built on the beliefs of men faithful to God. They rejected the monarchy for freedom and liberty. Our democratic republic works when the people of this country have their moral compass pointed to God. When it points elsewhere, we begin to fall into anarchy. Our way out of anarchy will likely be repentance, returning to the founding principles of our country, or dictatorship, an apathetic dependence on someone.

Do you recall the oft quoted words of Patrick Henry? “Give me liberty or give me death”? Here are some more quotes from that speech at St Johns Church in 1741 emphasizing the theological foundation of our country.

It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free– if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending–if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained–we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!

There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us.

Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

I am thankful our country was founded on Christian faith and values. It’s strength is in “We the people.” Who we serve first, whether it is God or ourselves, will determine the future of this great country.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Declaration of Independence, 1776

Parting thoughts

Today was more of a history lesson on Israel and the USA. The arc of both countries is guided by faith in God and his principles. We find the ultimate foundation in the fact that we are created in God’s image. When we as individuals follow him, our family, our communities, and our countries are more free, stronger, and prosperous. God blesses those who follow him and they bless those around them.

You can read the entire text of Patrick Henry’s speech here.