Day 130

1 Samuel 8:1–9:27; John 6:22-42; Psalm 106:32-48; Proverbs 14:34-35

IN OUR OLD Testament reading today, we drew near to the end of Samuel’s life. Samuel was the final judge of Israel, but this was not the original plan. Samuel had two sons of his own, and he appointed them as cojudges to take his place. Sadly, they did not walk in their father’s footsteps. Instead, they perverted justice and used their authority to exact bribes.

Knowing that time was crucial, the elders of Israel discussed the matter with Samuel: “‘Look,’ they told him, ‘you are now old, and your sons are not like you. Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have’” (1 Samuel 8:5).

This is the backstory for how Israel moved into the era of monarchy. Samuel was displeased. God was displeased. But God instructed Samuel to honor their wishes, and today we met the man who would become the first king of Israel: Saul. But Saul’s story speaks far beyond a historical account. His life mimics our own tendencies on many levels, and we should pay close attention, for the Bible will speak volumes in the coming weeks.

Speaking of diligent attention, Jesus had volumes to speak of his own in John’s Gospel today: “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent” (John 6:29).

This sentence alone should stop us. Because aren’t we continually trying to figure out what God desires from us? According to Jesus, all God wants is for us to believe. Perhaps we’ve drastically overcomplicated things. Jesus’ words are truly foundational to our lives. After all, it’s hard to love someone you don’t believe in. It’s certainly impossible to have a relationship with someone you don’t believe in. Maybe the foundational question is whether we truly believe in Jesus.

In response to Jesus’ profoundly simple declaration, the people challenged Him: “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do?” (John 6:30).

This demand comes across as rather arrogant until we put the mirror before our own lives. Are we continually asking God to prove Himself to us? Are we offering our belief in exchange for some kind of benefit or sign? And if so, is that really unfettered belief and true love, or are we, like those people, asking, “What can you do?” Think on these things today, and invite Jesus to peel back the layers of why you follow Him.

MEDITATION:

Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.