Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
“Sometimes the best way to come out of “Egypt” is to not go back in. -” – Bulluck
The story’s conclusion of the two fictional characters, Daisy and Anna, who as servant leaders must resolve a situational problem.
Samuel’s message from God to the people of Israel. “Because you would not wait for my decision, my chosen one, I heeded to your voice.”
What Do You See?
This is the theme of I Samuel chapter 7 and the premise of my storytelling. Allow me to tell you of a conversation between two fictional best friends, Daisy and Anna. Daisy answers a question proposed by Anna. Hear them out.
My best friend’s name is Anna. Anna and I are not childhood friends; rather, we met at work. As administrative leaders, situations brought us together. Our moral values were remarkably similar. Yet, culturally, we had different experiences. This made us appreciative of each other.
Anna called today. Distraught about a personal, professional issue. There were times that I did not take certain matters as problematic as Anna. This was NOT one of those instances. It was serious enough to Anna that I had to give it much thought. Anna wanted a quick solution to a complex problem. However, not all things can be made with “bisquic.” As I hung up the phone, I promised her that I would get back to her soon.
Anna serves as a part-time on the City Council Legislative Board. The Council decided to change the position to a full-time one. This change was not what Anna had signed up for. At the end of the year, she would be replaced by the winning candidate. Two of the officials approached Anna. They wanted her to back their decision. They aimed to promote an opinion that the position should be held by a qualifying person of Irish descent. Anna was quite surprised at their request. She assured them that she would get back with them after careful consideration.
How Should You Move Forward?
This, of course, was the reason for this upsetting call. How can these officials who seemed to be fair-minded people ask for that type of support from her!
Although it was upsetting, Anna wants to address the issue in a public format to guarantee transparency. “What should she do?” she asked me. I was appalled as well but understood her dilemma. “Let me think it over, Anna, and get back with you.”
The officials made it quite clear that this sub-population had often voted as a majority – as a unified block. Rewarding them with a person of Irish descent was a way of showing gratitude and securing this unified block.
Biblical Narrative of a People
Let us give thought about Anna and Daisy. My thoughts are that of a similar situation. I am thinking about astory in the bible. It tells of a people who asked for a king (You may regret what you ask for). God allowed this people to have what they asked for. “Because you would not wait for my decision, my chosen one, I heeded to their voice.” What happened?
God is quite familiar with people who do not wait and listen to Him. 1 Samuel 8 tells the story of the people of Israel who demanded a king to rule over them. They desired to be like other nations around them. He chose Israel as His own. God wanted them to see Him as the only true God. He would rule over them. He even gave them Samuel, the prophet, to speak the word of God to them. God saw the heart of this people had turned away from Him. How? First, they forgot the Lord what He had done. Second, they desired to be like other nations. They wanted a king for themselves. Third, they would not trust that the Lord will call His anointed.
God’s Response to the People
From ancient times until the very present, it is the desire of people to move according to their own desires and not God’s. However, this is a costly thing to do. Why? It creates pathways of destruction when you fail to listen and wait for God’s anointed. It causes people to adhere to demands of rulers who are not of God. Afterwards, the people will have a Shiloh experience. That is, God abandons them at Shilo. How? By allowing the enemy to overtake them (I Samuel 2:14-17 and Jeremiah 7).
Then, when the glory of God has departed, it becomes a place of Ichabod (I Samuel 4:21). The glory leaves. Hence, people of God should not desire their own ways over God’s. You should not want the glory of God to depart and work against you.
Will Help Come to the People?
When the people repented, God allowed them to have what the scripture call an Ebenezer experience. He is our stone of help. Symbolically, for Israel, Samuel took a stone and set up between the towns of Mizpah and Shen. He called its name Ebenezer. Why? He said, remember, thus far the Lord has helped us, 1 Samuel 7:12.
This is his reminder. Repentance brings help. Besides, where they are now, is the result of their repentance. This brought about the return of cities that had been taken from Israel by the Philistines. First, there was restoration. Next, there was peace between Israel and the Amorites. But, when they people returned to their old, perverted ways, they are not victorious. But, once again, they turned away from God. For example, even the priest Eli and his sons failed to honor God (1 Samuel 8:1-4). So, God prepared Samuel, the prophet, for the people.
God gave them a leader who listens for God. Samuel, mentored by Eli, walked in the way of the Lord. He did not pervert justice as the previous priests. Samuel sought the Lord on their behalf of the people. Yet he was not enough to them either.
More Insistence and Resistance – Heed to the Demand
Still, instead of listening to God, the elders went to Samuel. They asked to be like other nations. Instead of God as their judge, they desired a king. So, Samuel prayed to the Lord for an answer to the dilemma. The Lord told Samuel to heed to the wishes of the people for they are not rejecting Samuel. Rather, they are rejecting the Lord’s rule over them. I brought them out from Egypt. I did great works for them. Yet, they reject me and go after other gods. However, warn them, Samuel, of what the behavior of the king will be who reign over them. And so Samuel did.
When No One Sees
More importantly, Anna and Daisy must stand on what they know is right. Right must be done when no one sees you. There should not be a question as to do what is right in this case. Does this require a long prayer? Should it? As a servant, can one serve as a servant leader if you do not serve righteously? What are your thoughts? How will the story of Israel help Anna and Daisy?
Also, we invite you to digest or think on things that are true (Philippians 4:8). Enjoy: