The opportunists only wait for someone to stumble so they can go to the Lord with the aim of gaining personal or financial advantages. However, we must be loyal to our God. He will keep us for Himself until the end of our lives. We were made His children by the power we received when we accepted Christ as our Savior and Lord (John 1:12). We do not want to change our Lord or our position as His servants!

The Lord instructed the prophet Samuel to listen to everything the people were asking for. After all, to make good and lasting decisions, the prophet would have to consider the reasons that led the Israelites to ask for a king and the establishment of the monarchy. The Most High wanted to continue guiding His people, but because of the bad example of Samuel's sons, the people no longer wanted to be governed by judges, although some of them had been blessings.

The Most-High assured that the people had not rejected Samuel, but rather Him, the true King and Lord of all, so that He would not reign over the nation. Note the damage that the prophet's two sons caused. The Israelites did not want in any way for another judge to judge them and instruct them in the Law of God. They wanted a king, even though the succession to the throne in the monarchical system was familial – hereditary – and perpetual.

God was hurt by the request of the Israelites to change the nation's system of government. Without a doubt, they would come out losing, but since they wanted to be like the other nations, the matter was settled. Never try to force the Lord to do what people want, because His plans are infinitely greater and better than theirs. They are thoughts of peace, prosperity, and complete and perfect salvation.

One cannot compare what man deems right and desires for himself with what God thinks and longs for humanity: “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55.9). When we choose the will of man, we lose a lot.

When we reach Heaven, we will know why the Gospel did not "shake" the nations: people sought the wise of this world instead of seeking the Creator. See what He desires and thinks about us: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29.11). Choose the Lord and you will profit!

With the exception of the reigns of David, Hezekiah, Josiah, and a few other righteous kings, Judah almost saw its "boat" sink, as it was led by men who did not allow themselves to be guided by God. Don't act like that! Let the Lord guide your life in all areas, and you will see how much having His guidance has favored you. God is unparalleled in everything. Believe!

         In Christ, with love,

         R. R. Soares