The Desire for a King

My confidence in the sovereignty of God My confidence in the sovereignty of God is the most steadying thing in my life. is the most steadying thing in my life. is the most steadying thing in my life. It takes away the Chicken Little It takes away the Chicken Little It takes away the Chicken Little syndrome. [music] syndrome. [music] syndrome. [music] You never have to run around saying, You never have to run around saying, You never have to run around saying, "The sky is falling. The sky is "The sky is falling. The sky is "The sky is falling. The sky is falling." falling." falling." It's not falling. It's not falling. It's not falling. God's mighty hands are always under the God's mighty hands are always under the God's mighty hands are always under the sky. sky. sky. And whatever happens, even your And whatever happens, even your And whatever happens, even your mistakes, mistakes, mistakes, God will turn those for the achievement God will turn those for the achievement God will turn those for the achievement of His gracious and glorious purposes. of His gracious and glorious purposes. of His gracious and glorious purposes. >> What would it look like to really >> What would it look like to really >> What would it look like to really believe [music] believe [music] believe [music] that nothing in your life is outside of that nothing in your life is outside of that nothing in your life is outside of God's hands, not even your failures or God's hands, not even your failures or God's hands, not even your failures or [music] even those moments when, like [music] even those moments when, like [music] even those moments when, like Israel, you look for something other Israel, you look for something other Israel, you look for something other than God to secure [music] your life? than God to secure [music] your life? than God to secure [music] your life? I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John Piper shows that even Israel's sinful Piper shows that even Israel's sinful Piper shows that even Israel's sinful desire for a king was not outside God's desire for a king was not outside God's desire for a king was not outside God's sovereign plan, and that God overcomes sovereign plan, and that God overcomes sovereign plan, and that God overcomes and governs [music] even our misdirected and governs [music] even our misdirected and governs [music] even our misdirected desires to fulfill His gracious desires to fulfill His gracious desires to fulfill His gracious purposes. [music] purposes. [music] purposes. [music] This message was originally delivered at This message was originally delivered at This message was originally delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church [music] on Bethlehem Baptist Church [music] on Bethlehem Baptist Church [music] on December 6th, 1981.

>> According to Acts chapter 2 verse 30, >> According to Acts chapter 2 verse 30, God had made an oath to David and said, God had made an oath to David and said, God had made an oath to David and said, "I will put on "I will put on "I will put on your throne one of your descendants who your throne one of your descendants who your throne one of your descendants who will rule forever." will rule forever." will rule forever." Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of that promise. that promise. that promise. And one day He's going to bring that And one day He's going to bring that And one day He's going to bring that fulfillment to its consummation fulfillment to its consummation fulfillment to its consummation as He extends His reign out of the as He extends His reign out of the as He extends His reign out of the silence of heaven into the loud crack of silence of heaven into the loud crack of silence of heaven into the loud crack of his second coming and the world will be his second coming and the world will be his second coming and the world will be his his his kingdom. kingdom. kingdom. Now, Now, Now, since he is going to reign forever, since he is going to reign forever, since he is going to reign forever, that brings to an end the long that brings to an end the long that brings to an end the long succession of kings in Israel that had succession of kings in Israel that had succession of kings in Israel that had begun with Saul. begun with Saul. begun with Saul. But how did that line of kings, which But how did that line of kings, which But how did that line of kings, which Jesus so significantly fulfills, ever Jesus so significantly fulfills, ever Jesus so significantly fulfills, ever get started in the first place? get started in the first place? get started in the first place? There was a thousand years of Jewish There was a thousand years of Jewish There was a thousand years of Jewish history history history before there was any kingdom in Israel before there was any kingdom in Israel before there was any kingdom in Israel at all.

at all. at all. How did it come about that Israel How did it come about that Israel How did it come about that Israel shifted from a loose confederation of shifted from a loose confederation of shifted from a loose confederation of tribes tribes tribes into a unified kingdom? into a unified kingdom? into a unified kingdom? That's what I want us to try to answer That's what I want us to try to answer That's what I want us to try to answer this morning, and in answering it this morning, and in answering it this morning, and in answering it from a text in 1 Samuel 12, from a text in 1 Samuel 12, from a text in 1 Samuel 12, there are four lessons that we will there are four lessons that we will there are four lessons that we will really benefit from, I think. really benefit from, I think. really benefit from, I think. 1 Samuel 12, 1 Samuel 12, 1 Samuel 12, verses 6 through 25. verses 6 through 25. verses 6 through 25. Now, the context is that Samuel is Now, the context is that Samuel is Now, the context is that Samuel is giving a speech at the inauguration of giving a speech at the inauguration of giving a speech at the inauguration of Saul. We'll pick it up at verse 6, even though We'll pick it up at verse 6, even though his speech begins at verse 1. his speech begins at verse 1. his speech begins at verse 1. Samuel said to the people, Samuel said to the people, Samuel said to the people, "The Lord is witness who appointed Moses "The Lord is witness who appointed Moses "The Lord is witness who appointed Moses and Aaron and brought your fathers up and Aaron and brought your fathers up and Aaron and brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt. Now, out of the land of Egypt. Now, out of the land of Egypt. Now, therefore, stand still that I may plead therefore, stand still that I may plead therefore, stand still that I may plead with you before the Lord concerning all with you before the Lord concerning all with you before the Lord concerning all the saving deeds of the Lord which he the saving deeds of the Lord which he the saving deeds of the Lord which he performed for you and for your fathers. performed for you and for your fathers. performed for you and for your fathers. When Jacob When Jacob When Jacob went into Egypt, and the Egyptians went into Egypt, and the Egyptians went into Egypt, and the Egyptians oppressed them, then your fathers cried oppressed them, then your fathers cried oppressed them, then your fathers cried to the Lord, and the Lord sent Moses and to the Lord, and the Lord sent Moses and to the Lord, and the Lord sent Moses and Aaron, who brought forth your fathers Aaron, who brought forth your fathers Aaron, who brought forth your fathers out of Egypt and made them dwell in this out of Egypt and made them dwell in this out of Egypt and made them dwell in this place.

place. place. But they forgot the Lord their God, But they forgot the Lord their God, But they forgot the Lord their God, and he sold them into the hand of and he sold them into the hand of and he sold them into the hand of Sisera, commander of the army of Jabin, Sisera, commander of the army of Jabin, Sisera, commander of the army of Jabin, king of Hazor, and into the hand of the king of Hazor, and into the hand of the king of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab, and they fought against king of Moab, and they fought against king of Moab, and they fought against them. them. them. And they cried to the Lord and said, And they cried to the Lord and said, And they cried to the Lord and said, "We have sinned because we have forsaken "We have sinned because we have forsaken "We have sinned because we have forsaken the Lord and have served the Baals and the Lord and have served the Baals and the Lord and have served the Baals and the Ashtaroth. the Ashtaroth. the Ashtaroth. But now deliver us out of the hand of But now deliver us out of the hand of But now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve thee." our enemies, and we will serve thee." our enemies, and we will serve thee." And the Lord sent Jerubbaal, and Barak, And the Lord sent Jerubbaal, and Barak, And the Lord sent Jerubbaal, and Barak, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on you out of the hand of your enemies on you out of the hand of your enemies on every side. And you dwelt in safety. And every side. And you dwelt in safety. And every side. And you dwelt in safety. And when you saw that Nahash, king of the when you saw that Nahash, king of the when you saw that Nahash, king of the Ammonites, came against you, you said to Ammonites, came against you, you said to Ammonites, came against you, you said to me, "No, but we will have a king to me, "No, but we will have a king to me, "No, but we will have a king to reign over us." reign over us." reign over us." When the Lord your God When the Lord your God When the Lord your God was your king. was your king. was your king. And now behold the king whom you have And now behold the king whom you have And now behold the king whom you have chosen, chosen, chosen, for whom you have asked. Behold, the for whom you have asked. Behold, the for whom you have asked. Behold, the Lord has set a king over you.

Lord has set a king over you. Lord has set a king over you. If you will fear the Lord and serve him, If you will fear the Lord and serve him, If you will fear the Lord and serve him, and hearken to his voice, and not rebel and hearken to his voice, and not rebel and hearken to his voice, and not rebel against his commandment, against his commandment, against his commandment, the commandment of the Lord, and if both the commandment of the Lord, and if both the commandment of the Lord, and if both you and your king, who reigns over you, you and your king, who reigns over you, you and your king, who reigns over you, will follow the Lord your God, it will will follow the Lord your God, it will will follow the Lord your God, it will be well. be well. be well. But if you will not hearken to the voice But if you will not hearken to the voice But if you will not hearken to the voice of the Lord, but rebel against his of the Lord, but rebel against his of the Lord, but rebel against his commandment, commandment, commandment, then the hand of the Lord will be then the hand of the Lord will be then the hand of the Lord will be against you and your king. against you and your king. against you and your king. Now therefore, stand still and see this Now therefore, stand still and see this Now therefore, stand still and see this great thing which the Lord will do great thing which the Lord will do great thing which the Lord will do before your eyes. Is it not wheat before your eyes. Is it not wheat before your eyes. Is it not wheat harvest today? harvest today? harvest today? I will call upon the Lord that he may I will call upon the Lord that he may I will call upon the Lord that he may send thunder and rain. And you shall know and see that your And you shall know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done wickedness is great, which you have done wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the Lord in asking for in the sight of the Lord in asking for in the sight of the Lord in asking for yourselves a king. So Samuel called upon yourselves a king. So Samuel called upon yourselves a king. So Samuel called upon the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day, and all the people rain that day, and all the people rain that day, and all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel. greatly feared the Lord and Samuel. greatly feared the Lord and Samuel. And all the people said to Samuel, "Pray And all the people said to Samuel, "Pray And all the people said to Samuel, "Pray for your servants to the Lord your God for your servants to the Lord your God for your servants to the Lord your God that we may not die.

that we may not die. that we may not die. For we have added to all our sins this For we have added to all our sins this For we have added to all our sins this evil to ask for ourselves a king." And evil to ask for ourselves a king." And evil to ask for ourselves a king." And Samuel said to the people, Samuel said to the people, Samuel said to the people, "Fear not. "Fear not. "Fear not. You have done all this evil, You have done all this evil, You have done all this evil, yet yet yet do not turn aside from following the do not turn aside from following the do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your Lord, but serve the Lord with all your Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. heart. heart. And do not turn aside after vain things And do not turn aside after vain things And do not turn aside after vain things which cannot profit or save, for they which cannot profit or save, for they which cannot profit or save, for they are vain. For the Lord will not cast are vain. For the Lord will not cast are vain. For the Lord will not cast away his people away his people away his people for his great name's sake. for his great name's sake. for his great name's sake. Because it has pleased the Lord to make Because it has pleased the Lord to make Because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself. you a people for himself. you a people for himself. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me Moreover, as for me, far be it from me Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by that I should sin against the Lord by that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will ceasing to pray for you, and I will ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you instruct you instruct you in the good and the right way. Only in the good and the right way. Only in the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord, and serve him faithfully fear the Lord, and serve him faithfully fear the Lord, and serve him faithfully with all your heart, for consider what with all your heart, for consider what with all your heart, for consider what great things he has done for you. great things he has done for you. great things he has done for you. But But But if you still do wickedly, if you still do wickedly, if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and you shall be swept away, both you and you shall be swept away, both you and your king."

Samuel's speech now is given at Gilgal Samuel's speech now is given at Gilgal at the inauguration of Saul. We see that at the inauguration of Saul. We see that at the inauguration of Saul. We see that from chapter 11 verse 15. from chapter 11 verse 15. from chapter 11 verse 15. Samuel knows that his own leadership as Samuel knows that his own leadership as Samuel knows that his own leadership as judge is being replaced by the judge is being replaced by the judge is being replaced by the leadership of Saul, the king. leadership of Saul, the king. leadership of Saul, the king. Verses 1 to 6 have the atmosphere of Verses 1 to 6 have the atmosphere of Verses 1 to 6 have the atmosphere of retirement about them. "I am old and retirement about them. "I am old and retirement about them. "I am old and gray," he says. gray," he says. gray," he says. "If anyone has a charge against me, "If anyone has a charge against me, "If anyone has a charge against me, bring it forth." bring it forth." bring it forth." And I think when he says that, what he's And I think when he says that, what he's And I think when he says that, what he's doing is washing his hands doing is washing his hands doing is washing his hands of this choice to have a king. of this choice to have a king. of this choice to have a king. He's saying, "I have not done anything He's saying, "I have not done anything He's saying, "I have not done anything in my whole reign to drive you to reject in my whole reign to drive you to reject in my whole reign to drive you to reject me and God me and God me and God to have a king like the other nations. to have a king like the other nations. to have a king like the other nations. It's a choice on your own. I'm not It's a choice on your own. I'm not It's a choice on your own. I'm not responsible. responsible. responsible. If there's anything I've done, show me." If there's anything I've done, show me." If there's anything I've done, show me." That's the essence of verses 1 to 6. He That's the essence of verses 1 to 6. He That's the essence of verses 1 to 6. He lays down the mantle of judge, but not lays down the mantle of judge, but not lays down the mantle of judge, but not the mantle of prophecy, for he's got a the mantle of prophecy, for he's got a the mantle of prophecy, for he's got a message now. He's going to still talk to message now. He's going to still talk to message now. He's going to still talk to this people. He loves this people.

this people. He loves this people. this people. He loves this people. He says at the end he's going to pray He says at the end he's going to pray He says at the end he's going to pray for them to his dying day. for them to his dying day. for them to his dying day. And he does. And he does. And he does. So, the first thing that he has to say So, the first thing that he has to say So, the first thing that he has to say to them in verses 6 to 8 to them in verses 6 to 8 to them in verses 6 to 8 is to remind them of the great deeds God is to remind them of the great deeds God is to remind them of the great deeds God has done in the past. That's the way has done in the past. That's the way has done in the past. That's the way preachers have always done in Israel and preachers have always done in Israel and preachers have always done in Israel and ought to do today. Look what God did. ought to do today. Look what God did. ought to do today. Look what God did. Stand still that I may plead with you Stand still that I may plead with you Stand still that I may plead with you before the Lord concerning all the before the Lord concerning all the before the Lord concerning all the saving deeds of the Lord which he saving deeds of the Lord which he saving deeds of the Lord which he performed for you and your fathers. How performed for you and your fathers. How performed for you and your fathers. How do you plead do you plead do you plead with people concerning the past? with people concerning the past? with people concerning the past? You can't change the past. You can only You can't change the past. You can only You can't change the past. You can only change the future. change the future. change the future. So, evidently what he means by pleading So, evidently what he means by pleading So, evidently what he means by pleading with the people concerning these past with the people concerning these past with the people concerning these past things is this. things is this. things is this. I plead with you to recognize I plead with you to recognize I plead with you to recognize how you should behave in the future in how you should behave in the future in how you should behave in the future in view of what God has done for you in the view of what God has done for you in the view of what God has done for you in the past. I urge you to act in the future past. I urge you to act in the future past. I urge you to act in the future like a people who believe that God takes like a people who believe that God takes like a people who believe that God takes care of you just like he took care of care of you just like he took care of care of you just like he took care of the people in the past. That's in fact the people in the past. That's in fact the people in the past. That's in fact what he does in verse 24 as he closes, what he does in verse 24 as he closes, what he does in verse 24 as he closes, isn't it? He says, "Only isn't it? He says, "Only isn't it? He says, "Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully fear the Lord and serve him faithfully fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart in the future with all your heart in the future with all your heart in the future for consider what great things he has for consider what great things he has for consider what great things he has done for you in the past."

done for you in the past." done for you in the past." That's the That's the way the Christian That's the That's the way the Christian That's the That's the way the Christian life works as well, isn't it? life works as well, isn't it? life works as well, isn't it? We know the God that we count on We know the God that we count on We know the God that we count on tomorrow tomorrow tomorrow because we've seen what he has done for because we've seen what he has done for because we've seen what he has done for us yesterday. But in verse 9, Samuel points out that But in verse 9, Samuel points out that the people are not good students of the people are not good students of the people are not good students of their own history. The first line there their own history. The first line there their own history. The first line there in verse 9, in verse 9, in verse 9, they forgot the Lord their God. Amazing they forgot the Lord their God. Amazing they forgot the Lord their God. Amazing to us and yet every one of us knows what to us and yet every one of us knows what to us and yet every one of us knows what that is. that is. that is. How many times have I How many times have I How many times have I after experiencing a great blessing after experiencing a great blessing after experiencing a great blessing said, "God, if I ever fail to trust you said, "God, if I ever fail to trust you said, "God, if I ever fail to trust you after this." after this." after this." And in a week And in a week And in a week you've forgotten it. you've forgotten it. you've forgotten it. Just the way we are. It's a terrible Just the way we are. It's a terrible Just the way we are. It's a terrible thing. thing. thing. The result of protracted disobedience, The result of protracted disobedience, The result of protracted disobedience, notice in verse 9, is God sold his notice in verse 9, is God sold his notice in verse 9, is God sold his people into the hands of the enemies, people into the hands of the enemies, people into the hands of the enemies, Sisera, the Philistines, the Moabites. Sisera, the Philistines, the Moabites. Sisera, the Philistines, the Moabites. But But But one of the purposes of historical one of the purposes of historical one of the purposes of historical judgment judgment judgment is God's will to jar people awake so is God's will to jar people awake so is God's will to jar people awake so that they will return to him who is that they will return to him who is that they will return to him who is their hope and their joy their hope and their joy their hope and their joy and not go after vain things.

and not go after vain things. and not go after vain things. Now, verses 10 and 11 illustrate how Now, verses 10 and 11 illustrate how Now, verses 10 and 11 illustrate how this happened repeatedly in the time of this happened repeatedly in the time of this happened repeatedly in the time of the judges. the judges. the judges. The people cry out and admit, "We have The people cry out and admit, "We have The people cry out and admit, "We have forsaken the Lord. Oh, deliver us out of forsaken the Lord. Oh, deliver us out of forsaken the Lord. Oh, deliver us out of the hand of our enemies and we'll serve the hand of our enemies and we'll serve the hand of our enemies and we'll serve you." you." you." And God answers the people again and And God answers the people again and And God answers the people again and again with judges and Samuel mentions again with judges and Samuel mentions again with judges and Samuel mentions four of them, Jerubbaal, that's another four of them, Jerubbaal, that's another four of them, Jerubbaal, that's another name for Gideon, name for Gideon, name for Gideon, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel himself, the Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel himself, the Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel himself, the final judge. At last, after all this final judge. At last, after all this final judge. At last, after all this period, a time of peace comes in the period, a time of peace comes in the period, a time of peace comes in the time of Samuel. time of Samuel. time of Samuel. But But But peace is only temporary. There appears peace is only temporary. There appears peace is only temporary. There appears on the horizon Nahash, king of the on the horizon Nahash, king of the on the horizon Nahash, king of the Ammonites, and the people see the Ammonites, and the people see the Ammonites, and the people see the threat, and what do they do? threat, and what do they do? threat, and what do they do? They say this in very interesting They say this in very interesting They say this in very interesting sentence, "No! sentence, "No! sentence, "No! But we will have a king over us like the But we will have a king over us like the But we will have a king over us like the other nations." Now, what do you suppose other nations." Now, what do you suppose other nations." Now, what do you suppose they meant? "No!" No what?

they meant? "No!" No what? they meant? "No!" No what? No to whom? No to whom? No to whom? Turn back to chapter 8. In chapter 8 of Turn back to chapter 8. In chapter 8 of Turn back to chapter 8. In chapter 8 of 1 Samuel, we find the actual instance of 1 Samuel, we find the actual instance of 1 Samuel, we find the actual instance of where the people rebelled and cried out where the people rebelled and cried out where the people rebelled and cried out for a king. Chapter 12 is a report and for a king. Chapter 12 is a report and for a king. Chapter 12 is a report and an interpretation of what happened in an interpretation of what happened in an interpretation of what happened in chapter 8. Look at verses 4 to 7. I chapter 8. Look at verses 4 to 7. I chapter 8. Look at verses 4 to 7. I think these verses show what they were think these verses show what they were think these verses show what they were saying no to. Then all the elders of Israel gathered Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, and said to him, "Behold, you are old and your sons do "Behold, you are old and your sons do "Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now, appoint for not walk in your ways. Now, appoint for not walk in your ways. Now, appoint for us a king to govern us like all the us a king to govern us like all the us a king to govern us like all the nations." nations." nations." But this displeased Samuel when they But this displeased Samuel when they But this displeased Samuel when they said, "Give us a king to govern us." And said, "Give us a king to govern us." And said, "Give us a king to govern us." And Samuel prayed to the Lord. Samuel prayed to the Lord. Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, And the Lord said to Samuel, And the Lord said to Samuel, "Hearken to the voice of the people "Hearken to the voice of the people "Hearken to the voice of the people in all that they say to you, in all that they say to you, in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, for they have not rejected you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being but they have rejected me from being but they have rejected me from being king over them."

king over them." king over them." So, I think when Israel said, "No! So, I think when Israel said, "No! So, I think when Israel said, "No! But we will have a king over us." They But we will have a king over us." They But we will have a king over us." They were saying no to God as their king. "We were saying no to God as their king. "We were saying no to God as their king. "We don't want just to have God as king over don't want just to have God as king over don't want just to have God as king over us anymore with charismatic rulers us anymore with charismatic rulers us anymore with charismatic rulers popping up here and there to lead us in popping up here and there to lead us in popping up here and there to lead us in battle. We want some stability here. We battle. We want some stability here. We battle. We want some stability here. We want a king so we can be like the other want a king so we can be like the other want a king so we can be like the other nations. No to God. No to so much nations. No to God. No to so much nations. No to God. No to so much dependence on him in battle. No to being dependence on him in battle. No to being dependence on him in battle. No to being unlike the other nations." unlike the other nations." unlike the other nations." Now, that was a great evil according to Now, that was a great evil according to Now, that was a great evil according to verse 17 of chapter 12, a great evil. verse 17 of chapter 12, a great evil. verse 17 of chapter 12, a great evil. It says, "Their wickedness is great in It says, "Their wickedness is great in It says, "Their wickedness is great in the sight of the Lord because they asked the sight of the Lord because they asked the sight of the Lord because they asked for themselves a king." for themselves a king." for themselves a king." And then in verse 19, they admit it. And then in verse 19, they admit it. And then in verse 19, they admit it. They say, They say, They say, "We have added to all our sins this evil "We have added to all our sins this evil "We have added to all our sins this evil to ask for ourselves a king." to ask for ourselves a king." to ask for ourselves a king." Now, if we ended the story right there Now, if we ended the story right there Now, if we ended the story right there and you wrote the rest of it, I wonder and you wrote the rest of it, I wonder and you wrote the rest of it, I wonder how it would end.

Here's the way God ends the story or Here's the way God ends the story or begins the new chapter. begins the new chapter. begins the new chapter. Behold, the Lord has set a king over Behold, the Lord has set a king over Behold, the Lord has set a king over you. you. you. And a whole new phase of Israel's And a whole new phase of Israel's And a whole new phase of Israel's history begins. history begins. history begins. Even though Even though Even though there was there was there was a great king David, a man after God's a great king David, a man after God's a great king David, a man after God's own heart, a great reformer like Josiah, own heart, a great reformer like Josiah, own heart, a great reformer like Josiah, the final and ultimate king Jesus, the the final and ultimate king Jesus, the the final and ultimate king Jesus, the son of God, nevertheless, that line of son of God, nevertheless, that line of son of God, nevertheless, that line of kings had an evil beginning kings had an evil beginning kings had an evil beginning in sin. in sin. in sin. And I think there are lots of lessons in And I think there are lots of lessons in And I think there are lots of lessons in that and I want to mention four now that and I want to mention four now that and I want to mention four now in conclusion. in conclusion. in conclusion. One at a time. First lesson. One at a time. First lesson. One at a time. First lesson. The way we seek to have something may be wrong when the thing itself may be wrong when the thing itself is not wrong.

is not wrong. is not wrong. I don't think that having a king I don't think that having a king I don't think that having a king was in itself wrong in Israel. was in itself wrong in Israel. was in itself wrong in Israel. If that king had been looked upon as a If that king had been looked upon as a If that king had been looked upon as a lowly agent of God rather than a lowly agent of God rather than a lowly agent of God rather than a replacement for God, if he had been replacement for God, if he had been replacement for God, if he had been sought to provide spiritual unity among sought to provide spiritual unity among sought to provide spiritual unity among the 12 tribes rather than the 12 tribes rather than the 12 tribes rather than worldly unity with the nations, worldly worldly unity with the nations, worldly worldly unity with the nations, worldly similarity to the nations. If he had similarity to the nations. If he had similarity to the nations. If he had been viewed as a kind of temporary and been viewed as a kind of temporary and been viewed as a kind of temporary and imperfect substitute until God himself imperfect substitute until God himself imperfect substitute until God himself should come and take up the reins of should come and take up the reins of should come and take up the reins of government on the earth. If they had government on the earth. If they had government on the earth. If they had proceeded out of faith and loyalty, I don't think it would have been wrong I don't think it would have been wrong to have a king. The way God affirmed the to have a king. The way God affirmed the to have a king. The way God affirmed the kingdom again and again, sent his own kingdom again and again, sent his own kingdom again and again, sent his own son to fill that office. It was the way son to fill that office. It was the way son to fill that office. It was the way Israel sought that king. It was the Israel sought that king. It was the Israel sought that king. It was the motive behind her desire for a king.

motive behind her desire for a king. motive behind her desire for a king. And therefore, And therefore, And therefore, Jesus wasn't the first one to teach, was Jesus wasn't the first one to teach, was Jesus wasn't the first one to teach, was he, that he, that he, that right and wrong right and wrong right and wrong cannot be simply identified with an act, cannot be simply identified with an act, cannot be simply identified with an act, but must always take into account the but must always take into account the but must always take into account the motive and the spirit in which an act is motive and the spirit in which an act is motive and the spirit in which an act is done. done. done. Just as important as the act is the way Just as important as the act is the way Just as important as the act is the way it's done. it's done. it's done. Many, many good things Many, many good things Many, many good things are made very evil are made very evil are made very evil because they are done not from faith, because they are done not from faith, because they are done not from faith, not with a humble reliance on the Lord, not with a humble reliance on the Lord, not with a humble reliance on the Lord, and not with a spirit of love. and not with a spirit of love. and not with a spirit of love. We need to think that way, don't we? We need to think that way, don't we? We need to think that way, don't we? Don't think of your ethics and your Don't think of your ethics and your Don't think of your ethics and your right and wrong just in terms of a list right and wrong just in terms of a list right and wrong just in terms of a list of of of acts to avoid or to do. Add to that list acts to avoid or to do. Add to that list acts to avoid or to do. Add to that list the spirit in which it's done.

the spirit in which it's done. the spirit in which it's done. Otherwise, that whole list of good Otherwise, that whole list of good Otherwise, that whole list of good things which you aim to do things which you aim to do things which you aim to do is corrupted. Just like these people is corrupted. Just like these people is corrupted. Just like these people were evil to originate a good line were evil to originate a good line were evil to originate a good line of kings. That's the first lesson. of kings. That's the first lesson. of kings. That's the first lesson. Here's the second one. Here's the second one. Here's the second one. We learn We learn We learn that that that the sovereign purposes of God for his the sovereign purposes of God for his the sovereign purposes of God for his people people people will not be frustrated will not be frustrated will not be frustrated even even even by the sins of those people. by the sins of those people. by the sins of those people. Now, this is really interesting. Now, this is really interesting. Now, this is really interesting. Way back in Deuteronomy Way back in Deuteronomy Way back in Deuteronomy Moses day Moses day Moses day we read in chapter 17 we read in chapter 17 we read in chapter 17 verse 14 and 15, God foresaw they were verse 14 and 15, God foresaw they were verse 14 and 15, God foresaw they were going to do this. going to do this. going to do this. He not only predicted that they were He not only predicted that they were He not only predicted that they were going to ask for a king, he told them going to ask for a king, he told them going to ask for a king, he told them when they did it what kind of king to when they did it what kind of king to when they did it what kind of king to ask for. Listen to what he said through ask for. Listen to what he said through ask for. Listen to what he said through Moses. When you come to the land which Moses. When you come to the land which Moses. When you come to the land which the Lord your God gives you and you the Lord your God gives you and you the Lord your God gives you and you possess it and dwell in it and then say possess it and dwell in it and then say possess it and dwell in it and then say I will set a king over me like all the I will set a king over me like all the I will set a king over me like all the nations nations nations that are around about me that are around about me that are around about me you shall surely set a king over you.

you shall surely set a king over you. you shall surely set a king over you. Him whom the Lord your God shall choose. Him whom the Lord your God shall choose. Him whom the Lord your God shall choose. One from among your brethren you shall One from among your brethren you shall One from among your brethren you shall set as king over you. set as king over you. set as king over you. 300 years earlier 300 years earlier 300 years earlier that's said through Moses. that's said through Moses. that's said through Moses. The rise of the kingdom, evil though it The rise of the kingdom, evil though it The rise of the kingdom, evil though it was, was no surprise to God. He had was, was no surprise to God. He had was, was no surprise to God. He had planned for it planned for it planned for it and how to contain it long ago. and how to contain it long ago. and how to contain it long ago. Yet it came about through sin. Just the Yet it came about through sin. Just the Yet it came about through sin. Just the same way the crucifixion of Jesus came same way the crucifixion of Jesus came same way the crucifixion of Jesus came about through sin and yet was predicted about through sin and yet was predicted about through sin and yet was predicted and ordained by God long before. It was and ordained by God long before. It was and ordained by God long before. It was evil for the people to want that king evil for the people to want that king evil for the people to want that king yet God planned yet God planned yet God planned for that event. for that event. for that event. God is somewhat like a fullback. God is somewhat like a fullback. God is somewhat like a fullback. This is a helpful way for me to to This is a helpful way for me to to This is a helpful way for me to to what's going on here. what's going on here. what's going on here. A really skilled fullback, big and A really skilled fullback, big and A really skilled fullback, big and powerful, powerful, powerful, who who who cuts through that opening in the line, cuts through that opening in the line, cuts through that opening in the line, and he aims and he aims and he aims to hit that linebacker.

to hit that linebacker. to hit that linebacker. There's no way to avoid him, but he aims There's no way to avoid him, but he aims There's no way to avoid him, but he aims to hit that linebacker in such a way to hit that linebacker in such a way to hit that linebacker in such a way that he spins off into the open and uses that he spins off into the open and uses that he spins off into the open and uses his opposition to gain the goal. his opposition to gain the goal. his opposition to gain the goal. God is doing that all the time. God is doing that all the time. God is doing that all the time. And there is a great comfort in viewing And there is a great comfort in viewing And there is a great comfort in viewing God as an unstoppable fullback, who when God as an unstoppable fullback, who when God as an unstoppable fullback, who when he smashes up against opposition, will he smashes up against opposition, will he smashes up against opposition, will always roll off into victory always roll off into victory always roll off into victory and turn the smash itself as a kickout and turn the smash itself as a kickout and turn the smash itself as a kickout into freedom, into freedom, into freedom, so that he can scoot down the sideline so that he can scoot down the sideline so that he can scoot down the sideline exactly where he wants to be all the exactly where he wants to be all the exactly where he wants to be all the time. time. time. My confidence in the sovereignty of God My confidence in the sovereignty of God My confidence in the sovereignty of God is the most steadying thing in my life. is the most steadying thing in my life. is the most steadying thing in my life. It takes away the Chicken Little It takes away the Chicken Little It takes away the Chicken Little syndrome. You never have to run around saying, You never have to run around saying, "The sky is falling. The sky is "The sky is falling. The sky is "The sky is falling. The sky is falling." falling." falling." It's not falling.

It's not falling. It's not falling. God's mighty hands are always under the God's mighty hands are always under the God's mighty hands are always under the sky. sky. sky. And whatever happens, even your And whatever happens, even your And whatever happens, even your mistakes, mistakes, mistakes, God will turn those for the achievement God will turn those for the achievement God will turn those for the achievement of his gracious and glorious purposes. of his gracious and glorious purposes. of his gracious and glorious purposes. It takes away the cosmic jitters. It takes away the cosmic jitters. It takes away the cosmic jitters. I wonder I wonder I wonder if people as they face decisions in if people as they face decisions in if people as they face decisions in life, life, life, who seem to just think everything hangs who seem to just think everything hangs who seem to just think everything hangs on this decision, on this decision, on this decision, just don't know just don't know just don't know that whichever way you go in that that whichever way you go in that that whichever way you go in that decision, decision, decision, God can turn it for good. God can turn it for good. God can turn it for good. It takes away the cosmic jitters. You It takes away the cosmic jitters. You It takes away the cosmic jitters. You still might have the butterflies, still might have the butterflies, still might have the butterflies, but you won't be but you won't be but you won't be really anxious. Here's the third lesson, and anxious. Here's the third lesson, and they tie together very closely. If the plight If the plight Now, I know this applies to some of you Now, I know this applies to some of you Now, I know this applies to some of you in this room, and this is for you. This in this room, and this is for you. This in this room, and this is for you. This is good news. is good news. is good news. If the plight in which you find yourself If the plight in which you find yourself If the plight in which you find yourself is irreversible and now and now you feel paralyzed you feel paralyzed you feel paralyzed by guilt and despair.

Look at what happens here in 1 Samuel Look at what happens here in 1 Samuel 12. This is beautiful 12. This is beautiful 12. This is beautiful and full of grace. What the people do when they've been What the people do when they've been confronted with their evil? confronted with their evil? confronted with their evil? A great evil, it says. A great evil, it says. A great evil, it says. Is they Is they Is they acknowledge their wickedness in verse acknowledge their wickedness in verse acknowledge their wickedness in verse 19. 19. 19. They humble themselves deeply for their They humble themselves deeply for their They humble themselves deeply for their sin, and then listen to what Samuel says sin, and then listen to what Samuel says sin, and then listen to what Samuel says in verse 20. in verse 20. in verse 20. Fear not. Fear not. Fear not. I'm like the angels at Christmas. I'm like the angels at Christmas. I'm like the angels at Christmas. Fear not. Fear not. Fear not. You have done all this evil You have done all this evil You have done all this evil but do not turn aside from following the but do not turn aside from following the but do not turn aside from following the Lord with all your heart. Do not turn Lord with all your heart. Do not turn Lord with all your heart. Do not turn after vain things which cannot profit or after vain things which cannot profit or after vain things which cannot profit or save save save for they are vain. There are too many people who have been There are too many people who have been lost lost lost because they have given up too soon on because they have given up too soon on because they have given up too soon on the grace of God.

the grace of God. the grace of God. They have said, "There's no hope for me. They have said, "There's no hope for me. They have said, "There's no hope for me. God isn't going to forgive that. I can't God isn't going to forgive that. I can't God isn't going to forgive that. I can't get that off my back. Even if he could, get that off my back. Even if he could, get that off my back. Even if he could, it is so heavy on me, I can't begin to it is so heavy on me, I can't begin to it is so heavy on me, I can't begin to get it to the cross. I can't move. get it to the cross. I can't move. get it to the cross. I can't move. I'm so paralyzed by guilt I'm so paralyzed by guilt I'm so paralyzed by guilt and despondency. and despondency. and despondency. The message of 1 Samuel 12 to people The message of 1 Samuel 12 to people The message of 1 Samuel 12 to people like that is don't let it keep you back. like that is don't let it keep you back. like that is don't let it keep you back. Roll out from under it. God will lift it Roll out from under it. God will lift it Roll out from under it. God will lift it off your back. off your back. off your back. The word is for people who think that The word is for people who think that The word is for people who think that to my whole life of sin, I have added to my whole life of sin, I have added to my whole life of sin, I have added this one final great wickedness this one final great wickedness this one final great wickedness and it's all over. and it's all over. and it's all over. That's the language of 1 Samuel 12 and That's the language of 1 Samuel 12 and That's the language of 1 Samuel 12 and Samuel's word is it ain't all over Samuel's word is it ain't all over Samuel's word is it ain't all over if you will serve the Lord your God with if you will serve the Lord your God with if you will serve the Lord your God with all your heart and not turn again all your heart and not turn again all your heart and not turn again to vain things. to vain things. to vain things. If you turn from your evil way If you turn from your evil way If you turn from your evil way and serve the Lord and serve the Lord and serve the Lord there is forgiveness.

there is forgiveness. there is forgiveness. Where sin abounds grace much more Where sin abounds grace much more Where sin abounds grace much more abounds. And one final lesson to draw us abounds. And one final lesson to draw us abounds. And one final lesson to draw us to a close. to a close. to a close. What basis What basis of assurance What basis What basis of assurance What basis What basis of assurance does Samuel give to the people who are does Samuel give to the people who are does Samuel give to the people who are repenting? repenting? repenting? I mean, it's not easy to believe that I mean, it's not easy to believe that I mean, it's not easy to believe that God can forgive such a thing as an God can forgive such a thing as an God can forgive such a thing as an assault on his kingship. assault on his kingship. assault on his kingship. No, we don't want you as king. No, we don't want you as king. No, we don't want you as king. And then to have thunder come from And then to have thunder come from And then to have thunder come from heaven and say, "That is a great heaven and say, "That is a great heaven and say, "That is a great wickedness." And they back off and say, wickedness." And they back off and say, wickedness." And they back off and say, "We have done a great wickedness." And "We have done a great wickedness." And "We have done a great wickedness." And Samuel just comes along and says, "Fear Samuel just comes along and says, "Fear Samuel just comes along and says, "Fear not. Press on with the Lord." not. Press on with the Lord." not. Press on with the Lord." They need some assurance. They need some They need some assurance. They need some They need some assurance. They need some foundation. foundation. foundation. And here it is in verse 22. And here it is in verse 22. And here it is in verse 22. The Lord will not cast away his people The Lord will not cast away his people The Lord will not cast away his people for his great name's sake. for his great name's sake. for his great name's sake. That's the foundation, isn't it? That's That's the foundation, isn't it? That's That's the foundation, isn't it? That's the ultimate basis of all God's mercy, the ultimate basis of all God's mercy, the ultimate basis of all God's mercy, God's unswerving commitment always to God's unswerving commitment always to God's unswerving commitment always to act on behalf of his own name.

act on behalf of his own name. act on behalf of his own name. And therefore, if we come to God and And therefore, if we come to God and And therefore, if we come to God and give up our desire to make a name for give up our desire to make a name for give up our desire to make a name for ourselves and just lean over on his ourselves and just lean over on his ourselves and just lean over on his name, name, name, he won't ever let you fall. he won't ever let you fall. he won't ever let you fall. Those who lean on the name of Jesus and Those who lean on the name of Jesus and Those who lean on the name of Jesus and take the name to themselves, take the name to themselves, take the name to themselves, he'll work for them with all his might. he'll work for them with all his might. he'll work for them with all his might. He will not let his name be dishonored. He will not let his name be dishonored. He will not let his name be dishonored. And that's why the last and final And that's why the last and final And that's why the last and final assurance that can be given is, "For my assurance that can be given is, "For my assurance that can be given is, "For my great name's sake, I will not cast you great name's sake, I will not cast you great name's sake, I will not cast you away." away." away." What a rock. When everything else is What a rock. When everything else is What a rock. When everything else is shaking, and so my petition to all of shaking, and so my petition to all of shaking, and so my petition to all of you you you is come. is come. is come. Accept it. It's there. Free. No matter Accept it. It's there. Free. No matter Accept it. It's there. Free. No matter what boulder what boulder what boulder of wickedness has been erected by you in of wickedness has been erected by you in of wickedness has been erected by you in the way, Jesus can push it aside. the way, Jesus can push it aside. the way, Jesus can push it aside. >> Thank you for listening to this episode >> Thank you for listening to this episode >> Thank you for listening to this episode of Light and Truth, where we are of Light and Truth, where we are of Light and Truth, where we are committed to providing God-centered committed to providing God-centered committed to providing God-centered preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly and treasure him truly. I'm your host, and treasure him truly. I'm your host, and treasure him truly. I'm your host, Dan Cruver.

Dan Cruver. Dan Cruver. On our next episode, John Piper On our next episode, John Piper On our next episode, John Piper continues our nine-part series from continues our nine-part series from continues our nine-part series from creation to Christ [music] with a creation to Christ [music] with a creation to Christ [music] with a message titled, "Kings Fail, God Keeps message titled, "Kings Fail, God Keeps message titled, "Kings Fail, God Keeps His Promises." His Promises." His Promises." I hope you'll join us. I hope you'll join us. I hope you'll join us. For more resources, visit For more resources, visit For more resources, visit desiringgod.org.