March 31 – Reading 90

MARCH 31 – Reading 90

by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr | March 31

“WHEN WE REJECT GOD’S BEST”
(1 Samuel 7:2 – 8:22)

“And the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them.’”  – 1 Samuel 8:7

When I read the Bible, I try to imagine myself as the person I am learning about. In today’s devotion, we gain insight into Samuel’s life. Samuel faithfully served as Israel’s judge and prophet, leading the people back to God after years of rebellion. But as he grew older, the people became restless. Instead of trusting God’s leadership, they looked at other nations and wanted a king to rule over them, just like everyone else.

 This demand cut Samuel to the heart. It felt personal—like they were rejecting his leadership.  I hear his thoughts in my head:  “I have led them faithfully. I have prayed for them, judged them with integrity, and guided them according to God’s will. But today, they come to me, demanding a king. My heart aches. Have I failed them? Have they rejected me?” 

But then the Lord speaks: “They have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them” (1 Samuel 8:7).  God revealed the deeper issue: They were rejecting God Himself, not just Samuel. They wanted human power over divine guidance and security in a man instead of trust in the Lord.

Samuel warned them. A king would take their sons for war, their daughters for service, and their fields for himself (1 Samuel 8:10-18). But the people refused to listen. They insisted, “No! But there shall be a king over us” (v. 19). And so, God granted their request—but at a cost.

This moment was more than a political shift. It was a spiritual tragedy. Israel wanted a substitute for God’s rule, trading divine wisdom for human strength. How often do we do the same? How frequently do we reject God’s best because we know better?

New Testament Connection:

• John 1:11 — “He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.” (Just as Israel rejected God’s kingship, they later rejected Jesus, their true King.)

   

• Matthew 6:33 — “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (God’s rule is always better than our own.)

   

• Romans 12:2 — “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Israel wanted to be like other nations, but we are called to be set apart.)

Simple Truth:
When we reject God’s leadership in favor of worldly solutions, we trade His best for something far less. Trusting His plan—no matter how different it looks from what others are doing—always leads to blessing.

Reflection & Application:

• Are You Seeking a Substitute for God? What “king” are you asking for? Are you trusting in money, power, or relationships instead of God?

   

• How Do You Handle Rejection? Samuel felt rejected, but God reminded him it was really about Him. Are you holding onto wounds that need to be surrendered to God?

   

• Will You Trust God’s Plan? The people wanted a king now, but God’s plan was always to give them a king—His King, Jesus. Are you willing to wait for God’s perfect timing instead of forcing your own way?

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to trust Your leadership above all else. When I am tempted to look to the world for security, remind me that Your plans are always better. When I feel rejected, let me rest in the truth that I am accepted by You. Lead me, guide me, and help me to follow You as my true King. In Jesus’ name, Amen.