Then, as Sunday's verses and message began to percolate within me, I saw far more! I do love how that happens!
When the Israelites decided that they wanted a sovereign King to lead them--even after all God had done for them--God took it pretty "personally". He said, "They have rejected me."..."1 Samuel 8:9 "Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do."
It touches my heart to realize that God loved them so much that He didn't try to just "control" them like a strong armed dictator, but allowed them their free will to choose. At the same time, He warned them that the "sovereign King"" they desired may not rule over them as He would--with a Father's love that always has their best interest in mind. Far from it!
So I can't help but wonder...If we are "translated from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of light" by our acceptance of Jesus as our Lord and Savior then in those times when we "choose" to not heed His Word and warnings nor submit to His loving authority, or in those times when we say, "I hear ya, Lord telling me not to do that...or urging me to do this--but! " ...does He take it personally? Does He "feel" the pain of rejection?
And I can't help but wonder...when we "reject" Him in that way are we "seeking first" the Kingdom of darkness that was once so familiar? Or "playing God" out of self-righteousness and pride? Are we, in essence, stepping out from under the "umbrella" of His divine protection that comes with obedience?
Are we, like the Israelites, "rejecting Him as King of our hearts" ...replacing Him with an inferior, fleshly alternative, (given a man "cannot serve two masters")? Saul was the first king and we are told He ruled with great leadership and courage at first. But when he disobeyed God and chose to defend his disobedience and place the blame for his choices, did he set himself up to fail? Was "sin crouching at the door" of his heart? Is that where the jealousy and envy and bitterness "entered in"? Is that how depression and despair had their perfect work in driving him to suicide?
Lord, it is humbling to wonder, If only he had "repented"...how differently the story may have turned out! Help me Lord to always face my failings, instead of running from them...to always remember the great things you have done in my life...and to be quick to repent--to make that u--turn-- back to where I got off Your path, so I can always sing,"You are my King, Jesus, You are my King!"