Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Devotion 8.5.15

What is it about royalty that attracts us? As Americans, we are supposed to be opposed to royalty, but we stay up to watch the weddings, to track the birth of the new prince by our favorite prince back in England.  We get caught up in wondering why the queen doesn't step down to give Charles a chance to step up and then down, so that sweet, sweet Harry can be king.

They are not the only royals on the planet, but the most obvious.  Yet observers say Americans have created their own unique royalty in Hollywood and a sweeping love of families like the Roosevelts and the Kennedys. 

Israel wanted a king.  In 1 Samuel, the nation wants a king.  Samuel, speaking for God, says, "'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim a his rights:  He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses.... He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers.... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants.  He will take a tenth of your grain and your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants.... He will take a tenth of your flocks and you yourselves will become his slaves.  When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.' But the people refused to listen to Samuel. 'No! We want a king over us.  Then we will be like all the other nations with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.'" (8:10 - 20)

God sent a king.  ""Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: 'Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming seated on a donkey's colt.'" (John 12:14&15 citing Zech  9:9)  This king came to us and was hardly royal.  No, this king came to us and dwelled among us and suffered and died for us.

We thank God that this most unassuming king came to earth to save us from our earthly desires.  We pray that we can share this king with others so they to can follow Him and realize the peace this king brings.

Hope Men's Ministry

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