God’s Plan for a Better King

If God saw in this spectacular sin, if If God saw in this spectacular sin, if he saw this coming he saw this coming he saw this coming and he knew that he would permit it and and he knew that he would permit it and and he knew that he would permit it and thus establish the kingship of Israel as thus establish the kingship of Israel as thus establish the kingship of Israel as part of his plan to glorify Christ, then part of his plan to glorify Christ, then part of his plan to glorify Christ, then why didn't he make the kingship, if he why didn't he make the kingship, if he why didn't he make the kingship, if he needed a kingship for Christ's sake, Why needed a kingship for Christ's sake, Why needed a kingship for Christ's sake, Why didn't he make kingship part of the plan didn't he make kingship part of the plan didn't he make kingship part of the plan from the beginning? Moses the first from the beginning? Moses the first from the beginning? Moses the first king, Joshua the second king, and so on. king, Joshua the second king, and so on. king, Joshua the second king, and so on. Why does there have to be Why does there have to be Why does there have to be God ruling first with no king, a great God ruling first with no king, a great God ruling first with no king, a great wickedness, and then human kings by wickedness, and then human kings by wickedness, and then human kings by God's design? God's design? God's design? Israel [music] wanted a king because Israel [music] wanted a king because Israel [music] wanted a king because they didn't want God to be their king. they didn't want God to be their king. they didn't want God to be their king. And that's [music] a tragic part of And that's [music] a tragic part of And that's [music] a tragic part of Israel's story. And yet, God was doing Israel's story. And yet, God was doing Israel's story. And yet, God was doing [music] something far bigger and better [music] something far bigger and better [music] something far bigger and better than even they could see. I'm your host, than even they could see. I'm your host, than even they could see. I'm your host, Dan Kruever. In this episode of Light Dan Kruever. In this episode of Light Dan Kruever. In this episode of Light and Truth, John Piper shows how Israel's and Truth, John Piper shows how Israel's and Truth, John Piper shows how Israel's sinful demand for a king was [music] sinful demand for a king was [music] sinful demand for a king was [music] part of God's plan to reveal the better part of God's plan to reveal the better part of God's plan to reveal the better King, Jesus Christ. This message was King, Jesus Christ. This message was King, Jesus Christ. This message was originally [music] delivered at originally [music] delivered at originally [music] delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church on September Bethlehem Baptist Church on September Bethlehem Baptist Church on September 23rd, 2007.

Father, we are a forgetful Father, we are a forgetful and ungrateful people. You have done the kinds of deliverances You have done the kinds of deliverances for us. The sun rises on us day by day. for us. The sun rises on us day by day. for us. The sun rises on us day by day. The rains come, the grains The rains come, the grains The rains come, the grains get from the fields to the store to the get from the fields to the store to the get from the fields to the store to the table to our stomachs with scarcely a table to our stomachs with scarcely a table to our stomachs with scarcely a moment of anxiety. And the degree of moment of anxiety. And the degree of moment of anxiety. And the degree of intensity that we feel when we give intensity that we feel when we give intensity that we feel when we give thanks to you is so small compared to thanks to you is so small compared to thanks to you is so small compared to what it should be. We are unworthy what it should be. We are unworthy what it should be. We are unworthy servants at best. servants at best. servants at best. So we confess our sins and we ask for So we confess our sins and we ask for So we confess our sins and we ask for forgiveness for being like these folks. forgiveness for being like these folks. forgiveness for being like these folks. And I pray that this word would be used And I pray that this word would be used And I pray that this word would be used to rescue us from that to rescue us from that to rescue us from that ingratitude and ingratitude and ingratitude and callous callous callous attitude towards your goodness. attitude towards your goodness. attitude towards your goodness. Come and show us your sovereign power in Come and show us your sovereign power in Come and show us your sovereign power in this story. I pray.

this story. I pray. this story. I pray. Take us from our vanities, Take us from our vanities, Take us from our vanities, our preoccupations with worldly things our preoccupations with worldly things our preoccupations with worldly things that give you so little credit, time, that give you so little credit, time, that give you so little credit, time, affection, allegiance, trust, obedience. affection, allegiance, trust, obedience. affection, allegiance, trust, obedience. Rescue us, oh God, I pray through Rescue us, oh God, I pray through Rescue us, oh God, I pray through Christ. Amen. Christ. Amen. Christ. Amen. The kingship of Israel, The kingship of Israel, The kingship of Israel, the fact that Israel had kings is owing the fact that Israel had kings is owing the fact that Israel had kings is owing to sin. A spectacular A spectacular sin for the people of God. It is a sin for the people of God. It is a sin for the people of God. It is a spectacular sin. It only happened one spectacular sin. It only happened one spectacular sin. It only happened one time in the history of the world time in the history of the world time in the history of the world for the people of God with God ruling for the people of God with God ruling for the people of God with God ruling over them as king to say, "We don't want over them as king to say, "We don't want over them as king to say, "We don't want you to be our king like this anymore. We you to be our king like this anymore. We you to be our king like this anymore. We want to be like the nations. Give us a want to be like the nations. Give us a want to be like the nations. Give us a human king. human king. human king. Samuel calls it a great wickedness.

Samuel calls it a great wickedness. Samuel calls it a great wickedness. That's the origin of the kingship in That's the origin of the kingship in That's the origin of the kingship in Israel. Which raises this question. Israel. Which raises this question. Israel. Which raises this question. Since Jesus Christ would not have come Since Jesus Christ would not have come Since Jesus Christ would not have come as the king of Israel, the king of as the king of Israel, the king of as the king of Israel, the king of kings, the son of David, kings, the son of David, kings, the son of David, what would have happened had it not been what would have happened had it not been what would have happened had it not been so so so had this great wickedness not have had this great wickedness not have had this great wickedness not have happened? happened? happened? Or maybe another question is more Or maybe another question is more Or maybe another question is more significant. significant. significant. Why didn't since it's God's purpose that Why didn't since it's God's purpose that Why didn't since it's God's purpose that Jesus Christ be exalted as a son of Jesus Christ be exalted as a son of Jesus Christ be exalted as a son of David, the King of Israel and the King David, the King of Israel and the King David, the King of Israel and the King of Kings, of Kings, of Kings, why didn't God begin his dealing with why didn't God begin his dealing with why didn't God begin his dealing with his people, Israel his people, Israel his people, Israel with kings? with kings? with kings? Make Moses the first king. Make Joshua Make Moses the first king. Make Joshua Make Moses the first king. Make Joshua the second king. Just do it that way. the second king. Just do it that way. the second king. Just do it that way. That would set it up, wouldn't it? Then That would set it up, wouldn't it? Then That would set it up, wouldn't it? Then Jesus could come in the line of the Jesus could come in the line of the Jesus could come in the line of the kings of Moses and Joshua and Jerubbabel kings of Moses and Joshua and Jerubbabel kings of Moses and Joshua and Jerubbabel and David and whatever. But why God and David and whatever. But why God and David and whatever. But why God begin your dealings with Israel with begin your dealings with Israel with begin your dealings with Israel with yourself as a direct and only king with yourself as a direct and only king with yourself as a direct and only king with no human king and only bringing about a no human king and only bringing about a no human king and only bringing about a line of human kings through a line of human kings through a line of human kings through a spectacular sin so that Jesus could be spectacular sin so that Jesus could be spectacular sin so that Jesus could be the king of Israel? Why do it that way?

the king of Israel? Why do it that way? the king of Israel? Why do it that way? seems sort of round about and seems sort of round about and seems sort of round about and gets real dirty with sin and what's up? gets real dirty with sin and what's up? gets real dirty with sin and what's up? I mean, by the fifth message, we should I mean, by the fifth message, we should I mean, by the fifth message, we should be getting the idea that this is not be getting the idea that this is not be getting the idea that this is not unusual. unusual. unusual. So, So, So, our question then is why didn't he do it our question then is why didn't he do it our question then is why didn't he do it that way? Or what should we learn from that way? Or what should we learn from that way? Or what should we learn from the fact that he did it the way he did the fact that he did it the way he did the fact that he did it the way he did it? that Jesus Christ today is known as it? that Jesus Christ today is known as it? that Jesus Christ today is known as the son of David, king of Israel, king the son of David, king of Israel, king the son of David, king of Israel, king of kings, because of this spectacular of kings, because of this spectacular of kings, because of this spectacular sin. sin. sin. We want a king like the other nations. We want a king like the other nations. We want a king like the other nations. We don't want you to be our king, God. We don't want you to be our king, God. We don't want you to be our king, God. And therein And therein And therein begins the line from which the Messiah begins the line from which the Messiah begins the line from which the Messiah comes. comes. comes. Here's Let's go back to the story now. Here's Let's go back to the story now. Here's Let's go back to the story now. Let's get the story, the big picture in Let's get the story, the big picture in Let's get the story, the big picture in front of us. Abram front of us. Abram front of us. Abram chosen by God or the Chaldis chosen by God or the Chaldis chosen by God or the Chaldis to be the beginning of a people who to be the beginning of a people who to be the beginning of a people who would be his own Israel for 2,000 years would be his own Israel for 2,000 years would be his own Israel for 2,000 years to bring the Messiah. He chooses Abraham to bring the Messiah. He chooses Abraham to bring the Messiah. He chooses Abraham or Abram who becomes Abraham. And he or Abram who becomes Abraham. And he or Abram who becomes Abraham. And he makes him a promise that all the makes him a promise that all the makes him a promise that all the families of the world will be blessed families of the world will be blessed families of the world will be blessed through you. Genesis 12:1 and2.

through you. Genesis 12:1 and2. through you. Genesis 12:1 and2. One of the first people One of the first people One of the first people that Abram bumps into two chapters later that Abram bumps into two chapters later that Abram bumps into two chapters later is Melkchisedc. Mechedc, Mechedc, king of righteousness, king of Salem. king of righteousness, king of Salem. king of righteousness, king of Salem. He's called priest of the most high God. He's called priest of the most high God. He's called priest of the most high God. And Abraham pays tithes to him. And when And Abraham pays tithes to him. And when And Abraham pays tithes to him. And when you get to the book of Hebrews in the you get to the book of Hebrews in the you get to the book of Hebrews in the New Testament, he makes much of this by New Testament, he makes much of this by New Testament, he makes much of this by saying that this Melkchisedc saying that this Melkchisedc saying that this Melkchisedc is a type or a foreshadowing is a type or a foreshadowing is a type or a foreshadowing prefiguration prefiguration prefiguration of the Christ. He says it like this. of the Christ. He says it like this. of the Christ. He says it like this. MelkiseDC is first by translation of his MelkiseDC is first by translation of his MelkiseDC is first by translation of his name king of righteousness and then he name king of righteousness and then he name king of righteousness and then he is also king of Salem that is king of is also king of Salem that is king of is also king of Salem that is king of peace resembling the son of god. peace resembling the son of god. peace resembling the son of god. So already in the mind of God, according So already in the mind of God, according So already in the mind of God, according to the writer of the book of Hebrews, to the writer of the book of Hebrews, to the writer of the book of Hebrews, there's this prefiguring of the coming there's this prefiguring of the coming there's this prefiguring of the coming son of God as king.

son of God as king. son of God as king. And there's no king in Israel at that And there's no king in Israel at that And there's no king in Israel at that time. time. time. You get to Samuel's life. Now, Samuel You get to Samuel's life. Now, Samuel You get to Samuel's life. Now, Samuel was the last judge in that transition was the last judge in that transition was the last judge in that transition from judges to kings. from judges to kings. from judges to kings. He's the one who anointed David as the He's the one who anointed David as the He's the one who anointed David as the first king. But go back to the beginning first king. But go back to the beginning first king. But go back to the beginning of his life. There are no kings. There of his life. There are no kings. There of his life. There are no kings. There should not be any kings. And his mother Hannah is barren with no And his mother Hannah is barren with no babies. babies. babies. She's weeping over this. And Eli thinks She's weeping over this. And Eli thinks She's weeping over this. And Eli thinks she's drunk. Criticizes her. She says, she's drunk. Criticizes her. She says, she's drunk. Criticizes her. She says, "I'm not drunk. I want a baby. I want a "I'm not drunk. I want a baby. I want a "I'm not drunk. I want a baby. I want a son." son." son." And he pronounces a prophetic promise And he pronounces a prophetic promise And he pronounces a prophetic promise over her. The baby is born. His name is over her. The baby is born. His name is over her. The baby is born. His name is Samuel. Three years later, she brings Samuel. Three years later, she brings Samuel. Three years later, she brings the baby and gives him to the Lord. And this is what she sang. And this is what she sang. Chapter 2 of Samuel, when there was no Chapter 2 of Samuel, when there was no Chapter 2 of Samuel, when there was no king.

king. king. The adversaries of the Lord shall be The adversaries of the Lord shall be The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces. Against them he will broken to pieces. Against them he will broken to pieces. Against them he will thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth. He will the ends of the earth. He will the ends of the earth. He will strengthen his king and exalt the power strengthen his king and exalt the power strengthen his king and exalt the power of his anointed. of his anointed. of his anointed. That's Hannah That's Hannah That's Hannah talking decades before there was a king talking decades before there was a king talking decades before there was a king and when it would have been a sin to and when it would have been a sin to and when it would have been a sin to have a king. Deuteronomy 17:14 Deuteronomy 17:14 Moses gave instructions centuries before Moses gave instructions centuries before Moses gave instructions centuries before gave instructions about the kingship if the people would be disobedient. if the people would be disobedient. Deuteronomy 28:36, he foretold the going Deuteronomy 28:36, he foretold the going Deuteronomy 28:36, he foretold the going into exile of a people with their king into exile of a people with their king into exile of a people with their king if the people rebel against the Lord. if the people rebel against the Lord. if the people rebel against the Lord. So, I'm concluding that when you get to So, I'm concluding that when you get to So, I'm concluding that when you get to 1st Samuel 12, which we just heard read, 1st Samuel 12, which we just heard read, 1st Samuel 12, which we just heard read, when you get to 1st Samuel 12, this when you get to 1st Samuel 12, this when you get to 1st Samuel 12, this event, this great wickedness of putting event, this great wickedness of putting event, this great wickedness of putting a king in place is no surprise to God.

He not only knew it was coming, he knew He not only knew it was coming, he knew he would permit it when it came. And as he would permit it when it came. And as he would permit it when it came. And as we have said over and over, when God we have said over and over, when God we have said over and over, when God plans to permit a sin, plans to permit a sin, plans to permit a sin, it's part of the plan. it's part of the plan. it's part of the plan. He always permits things wisely. He He always permits things wisely. He He always permits things wisely. He doesn't permit things foolishly. doesn't permit things foolishly. doesn't permit things foolishly. If God permits a thing, he knows what If God permits a thing, he knows what If God permits a thing, he knows what he's doing with the permission, where he's doing with the permission, where he's doing with the permission, where it's going, what it's leading to. He it's going, what it's leading to. He it's going, what it's leading to. He folds this into the plan from the folds this into the plan from the folds this into the plan from the beginning. This great wickedness beginning. This great wickedness beginning. This great wickedness is now part of the way that his son will is now part of the way that his son will is now part of the way that his son will come into the world as a king and be come into the world as a king and be come into the world as a king and be known as the king of Israel and the son known as the king of Israel and the son known as the king of Israel and the son of David and the king of kings. of David and the king of kings. of David and the king of kings. So before we ponder So before we ponder So before we ponder why he would do it that way, why he would do it that way, why he would do it that way, let's make sure that we see that the let's make sure that we see that the let's make sure that we see that the demand for the king started earlier. It demand for the king started earlier. It demand for the king started earlier. It started in chapter 8 started in chapter 8 started in chapter 8 and then he's picking it up in chapter and then he's picking it up in chapter and then he's picking it up in chapter 12. Let's go to chapter 12:8.

12. Let's go to chapter 12:8. 12. Let's go to chapter 12:8. Chapter 12 verse 8. Second half of the Chapter 12 verse 8. Second half of the Chapter 12 verse 8. Second half of the verse, verse, verse, Samuel says to the people, Samuel says to the people, Samuel says to the people, knowing what they're up to, the Lord knowing what they're up to, the Lord knowing what they're up to, the Lord brought your fathers out of Egypt, made brought your fathers out of Egypt, made brought your fathers out of Egypt, made them dwell in this place. them dwell in this place. them dwell in this place. In other words, he's been gracious to In other words, he's been gracious to In other words, he's been gracious to you. He's been a good king. Verse nine. you. He's been a good king. Verse nine. you. He's been a good king. Verse nine. But they forgot your fathers forgot the But they forgot your fathers forgot the But they forgot your fathers forgot the Lord their God. And he to and he sold Lord their God. And he to and he sold Lord their God. And he to and he sold them into the hand of Cicora, commander them into the hand of Cicora, commander them into the hand of Cicora, commander of the army of Hazor, and into the hand of the army of Hazor, and into the hand of the army of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of of the Philistines, and into the hand of of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab. And they fought the king of Moab. And they fought the king of Moab. And they fought against them. Verse 10. And they, the against them. Verse 10. And they, the against them. Verse 10. And they, the people of Israel, cried out to the Lord people of Israel, cried out to the Lord people of Israel, cried out to the Lord their king. We sin because we've their king. We sin because we've their king. We sin because we've forsaken the Lord and have served the forsaken the Lord and have served the forsaken the Lord and have served the bales and the astro. But now deliver us bales and the astro. But now deliver us bales and the astro. But now deliver us out of the hand of your enemies, out of out of the hand of your enemies, out of out of the hand of your enemies, out of the hand of our enemies that we may the hand of our enemies that we may the hand of our enemies that we may serve you. And amazingly, verse 11, serve you. And amazingly, verse 11, serve you. And amazingly, verse 11, the Lord sent Jerubile, the Lord sent Jerubile, the Lord sent Jerubile, Barack, Jeffa, and Samuel, and delivered Barack, Jeffa, and Samuel, and delivered Barack, Jeffa, 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 lived in safety.

every side, and you lived in safety. every side, and you lived in safety. That's what a good king does. That's what a good king does. That's what a good king does. He He lets you live in safety. You cry He He lets you live in safety. You cry He He lets you live in safety. You cry to him. You You keep allegiance to your to him. You You keep allegiance to your to him. You You keep allegiance to your king. He fights your battles. You're king. He fights your battles. You're king. He fights your battles. You're safe to do what's good to do. Like love safe to do what's good to do. Like love safe to do what's good to do. Like love your king. But verse 12, But verse 12, when you saw that Nahash, the king of when you saw that Nahash, the king of when you saw that Nahash, the king of the Amorites came against you, they were the Amorites came against you, they were the Amorites came against you, they were enjoying safety. God was their king. He enjoying safety. God was their king. He enjoying safety. God was their king. He had delivered them. But here comes had delivered them. But here comes had delivered them. But here comes Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, against them. You said to me to Samuel, against them. You said to me to Samuel, against them. You said to me to Samuel, "No, "No, "No, but a king shall reign over us." but a king shall reign over us." but a king shall reign over us." And you can almost hear the And you can almost hear the And you can almost hear the broken pain in his voice with these next broken pain in his voice with these next broken pain in his voice with these next words. You said that, "No, but a king words. You said that, "No, but a king words. You said that, "No, but a king will reign over us when the Lord God is will reign over us when the Lord God is will reign over us when the Lord God is your king." your king." your king." Can you hear it? Is that maybe the way Can you hear it? Is that maybe the way Can you hear it? Is that maybe the way he said it? he said it? he said it? the disbelief in his voice.

You ask for a king when God is your You ask for a king when God is your king. king. king. What should Samuel do? What should Samuel do? What should Samuel do? God told him what to do in chapter 8. God told him what to do in chapter 8. God told him what to do in chapter 8. I'll read you chapter 8 7 and 9. I'll read you chapter 8 7 and 9. I'll read you chapter 8 7 and 9. God told Samuel how he should respond to God told Samuel how he should respond to God told Samuel how he should respond to this great wickedness. this great wickedness. this great wickedness. The Lord said to Samuel, "Obey the voice The Lord said to Samuel, "Obey the voice The Lord said to Samuel, "Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to of the people in all that they say to of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but you, for they have not rejected you, but you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king they have rejected me from being king they have rejected me from being king over them." Now then, obey their voice. over them." Now then, obey their voice. over them." Now then, obey their voice. Only you shall solemnly warn them and Only you shall solemnly warn them and Only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall show them the ways of the king who shall show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them. reign over them. reign over them. And so Samuel says here in chapter 12:3, And so Samuel says here in chapter 12:3, And so Samuel says here in chapter 12:3, chapter 12:3, second half of the verse, chapter 12:3, second half of the verse, chapter 12:3, second half of the verse, "Behold, "Behold, "Behold, the Lord has set a king over you."

And then he calls for a sign from the And then he calls for a sign from the Lord, thunder and rain. And it thunders Lord, thunder and rain. And it thunders Lord, thunder and rain. And it thunders and rains. and rains. and rains. And then he calls it a great wickedness. And then he calls it a great wickedness. And then he calls it a great wickedness. Verse 17. Is it not wheat harvest today? Verse 17. Is it not wheat harvest today? Verse 17. Is it not wheat 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 send thunder and rain, and you shall send thunder and rain, and you shall know and see your wickedness is great, know and see your wickedness is great, know and see your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the which you have done in the sight of the which you have done in the sight of the Lord in asking for yourselves a king. So Lord in asking for yourselves a king. So Lord in asking for yourselves a king. So they have done what he calls a great they have done what he calls a great they have done what he calls a great wickedness, wickedness, wickedness, and God says, and God says, and God says, "Give them their king." Now, lest we miss the point that God Now, lest we miss the point that God made the first king of Israel, God did made the first king of Israel, God did made the first king of Israel, God did this. this. this. Let me read to you from the sermon that Let me read to you from the sermon that Let me read to you from the sermon that Paul preached in Acts 13 as he was Paul preached in Acts 13 as he was Paul preached in Acts 13 as he was rehearsing the history of Israel. rehearsing the history of Israel. rehearsing the history of Israel. He said in Acts 13:20, He said in Acts 13:20, He said in Acts 13:20, "God gave them judges until Samuel the "God gave them judges until Samuel the "God gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. Then they asked for a king, and prophet. Then they asked for a king, and prophet. Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul, the son of Kish, a God gave them Saul, the son of Kish, a God gave them Saul, the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for 40 man of the tribe of Benjamin, for 40 man of the tribe of Benjamin, for 40 years. And when he had removed him, he years. And when he had removed him, he years. And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king. So raised up David to be their king. So raised up David to be their king. So there's no question who put the king in there's no question who put the king in there's no question who put the king in place.

place. place. God put him in place. God put him in place. God put him in place. Through a great wickedness, God installs Through a great wickedness, God installs Through a great wickedness, God installs the first king of Israel. It came the first king of Israel. It came the first king of Israel. It came through a great wickedness and God put through a great wickedness and God put through a great wickedness and God put him in place through this great him in place through this great him in place through this great wickedness. So let me ask the question wickedness. So let me ask the question wickedness. So let me ask the question again now. again now. again now. If God saw in this spectacular scene, if If God saw in this spectacular scene, if If God saw in this spectacular scene, if he saw this coming he saw this coming he saw this coming and he knew that he would permit it and and he knew that he would permit it and and he knew that he would permit it and thus establish the kingship of Israel as thus establish the kingship of Israel as thus establish the kingship of Israel as part of his plan to glorify Christ, then part of his plan to glorify Christ, then part of his plan to glorify Christ, then why didn't he make the kingship, if he why didn't he make the kingship, if he why didn't he make the kingship, if he needed a kingship for Christ's sake, why needed a kingship for Christ's sake, why needed a kingship for Christ's sake, why didn't he make kingship part of the plan didn't he make kingship part of the plan didn't he make kingship part of the plan from the beginning? Moses the first from the beginning? Moses the first from the beginning? Moses the first king, Joshua the second king, and so on. king, Joshua the second king, and so on. king, Joshua the second king, and so on. Why does there have to be Why does there have to be Why does there have to be God ruling first with no king, a great God ruling first with no king, a great God ruling first with no king, a great wickedness, and then human kings by wickedness, and then human kings by wickedness, and then human kings by God's design?

God's design? God's design? Why that way? Why that way? Why that way? What shall we learn from that? What shall we learn from that? What shall we learn from that? We are to learn from this story in a way We are to learn from this story in a way We are to learn from this story in a way that we wouldn't learn it had we not that we wouldn't learn it had we not that we wouldn't learn it had we not read this story that we are a stiff- read this story that we are a stiff- read this story that we are a stiff- necked, rebellious and unthankful necked, rebellious and unthankful necked, rebellious and unthankful people. people. people. I say we I say we I say we and I mean we humans including and I mean we humans including and I mean we humans including Christians. Christians. Christians. Why does he begin telling the story, Why does he begin telling the story, Why does he begin telling the story, this writer of 1 Samuel the way he does, this writer of 1 Samuel the way he does, this writer of 1 Samuel the way he does, reminding them that God brought them out reminding them that God brought them out reminding them that God brought them out of Egypt. He brought them into the of Egypt. He brought them into the of Egypt. He brought them into the promised land. He rescued them from promised land. He rescued them from promised land. He rescued them from wicked kings. He was a good king. Why wicked kings. He was a good king. Why wicked kings. He was a good king. Why does he begin that way? To show how does he begin that way? To show how does he begin that way? To show how ungrateful they are, ungrateful they are, ungrateful they are, how rebellious and stiffnecked how rebellious and stiffnecked how rebellious and stiffnecked they are. And that's the story of they are. And that's the story of they are. And that's the story of humanity. this this book, especially the humanity. this this book, especially the humanity. this this book, especially the first twothirds of it, is God's word.

first twothirds of it, is God's word. first twothirds of it, is God's word. And one of the lessons, one of the great And one of the lessons, one of the great And one of the lessons, one of the great repeated lessons, and we're slow to repeated lessons, and we're slow to repeated lessons, and we're slow to learn, which is why this is a very fat learn, which is why this is a very fat learn, which is why this is a very fat book. I think we're slow to learn that book. I think we're slow to learn that book. I think we're slow to learn that John Piper is ungrateful. John Piper is ungrateful. John Piper is ungrateful. So, let's just take it to ourselves now So, let's just take it to ourselves now So, let's just take it to ourselves now and just ask yourself this question. and just ask yourself this question. and just ask yourself this question. If you just take God himself and how If you just take God himself and how If you just take God himself and how great and glorious and wise and true and great and glorious and wise and true and great and glorious and wise and true and merciful and patient and righteous and merciful and patient and righteous and merciful and patient and righteous and just and just and just and awesome he is just himself and then his awesome he is just himself and then his awesome he is just himself and then his 10,000 blessings upon you personally. I mean on a scale of 1 to 100 and 100 I mean on a scale of 1 to 100 and 100 being as intense and constant as it being as intense and constant as it being as intense and constant as it should be and zero being nothing. Where should be and zero being nothing. Where should be and zero being nothing. Where is it? Well, mine's not. I mean, mine is is it? Well, mine's not. I mean, mine is is it? Well, mine's not. I mean, mine is 60 some days, 40 some days. I mean, let's some days, 40 some days. I mean, let's face it. If if we're going to be judged face it. If if we're going to be judged face it. If if we're going to be judged on the basis of the appropriate on the basis of the appropriate on the basis of the appropriate intensity of our affections of gratitude intensity of our affections of gratitude intensity of our affections of gratitude and yieldedness and trust to the living and yieldedness and trust to the living and yieldedness and trust to the living God, we're we're done for.

God, we're we're done for. God, we're we're done for. And this text makes me see myself way And this text makes me see myself way And this text makes me see myself way more clearly. more clearly. more clearly. And that's the first lesson. We are an And that's the first lesson. We are an And that's the first lesson. We are an ungrateful, stiff- necked, rebellious ungrateful, stiff- necked, rebellious ungrateful, stiff- necked, rebellious people. The sweetest among you is that people. The sweetest among you is that people. The sweetest among you is that way. way. way. And we would stay that way if it weren't And we would stay that way if it weren't And we would stay that way if it weren't for grace. Number two, we should learn from his doing it this we should learn from his doing it this way, his putting in place a kingship way, his putting in place a kingship way, his putting in place a kingship this way, this way, this way, how faithful God is to his own name. For because it has pleased the Lord to For because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself. make you a people for himself. make you a people for himself. It has pleased the Lord to make you a It has pleased the Lord to make you a It has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself. people for himself. people for himself. The deepest foundation of God's The deepest foundation of God's The deepest foundation of God's faithfulness is his allegiance to his faithfulness is his allegiance to his faithfulness is his allegiance to his own name, own name, own name, his jealousy, his zeal for his own his jealousy, his zeal for his own his jealousy, his zeal for his own glory.

glory. glory. I want you to read I want you to read I want you to read slowly this verse. The Lord will not slowly this verse. The Lord will not slowly this verse. The Lord will not forsake his people for his great name's forsake his people for his great name's forsake his people for his great name's sake. sake. sake. The Lord will not forsake his people for The Lord will not forsake his people for The Lord will not forsake his people for his great name's sake. his great name's sake. his great name's sake. Do you see why he didn't forsake them? Do you see why he didn't forsake them? Do you see why he didn't forsake them? His faithfulness to his people is rooted His faithfulness to his people is rooted His faithfulness to his people is rooted in his faithfulness to his name. in his faithfulness to his name. in his faithfulness to his name. If God were to cease to be faithful to If God were to cease to be faithful to If God were to cease to be faithful to his name, there would be no hope for his name, there would be no hope for his name, there would be no hope for sinners like us. sinners like us. sinners like us. The Lord will not forsake his people for The Lord will not forsake his people for The Lord will not forsake his people for his great name's sake. his great name's sake. his great name's sake. It doesn't say for our for our great It doesn't say for our for our great It doesn't say for our for our great name's sake, name's sake, name's sake, but for his great name's sake. God is but for his great name's sake. God is but for his great name's sake. God is totally committed to upholding the worth totally committed to upholding the worth totally committed to upholding the worth of his name. of his name. of his name. Your salvation Your salvation Your salvation does not hang on your worth to God. It does not hang on your worth to God. It does not hang on your worth to God. It hangs on God's worth to God when you stand at the cross and you see when you stand at the cross and you see what it achieves for you in vindicating what it achieves for you in vindicating what it achieves for you in vindicating the righteousness of God that he might the righteousness of God that he might the righteousness of God that he might be the justifier of the likes of us.

be the justifier of the likes of us. be the justifier of the likes of us. Your eternal praise will not be I was a Your eternal praise will not be I was a Your eternal praise will not be I was a diamond in the rough that he finally diamond in the rough that he finally diamond in the rough that he finally recognized. recognized. recognized. That will not be your song in eternity. That will not be your song in eternity. That will not be your song in eternity. Your song in eternity will be that God Your song in eternity will be that God Your song in eternity will be that God found a way to uphold his infinite worth found a way to uphold his infinite worth found a way to uphold his infinite worth while saving undeserving sinners. That's while saving undeserving sinners. That's while saving undeserving sinners. That's what we'll sing about at the cross what we'll sing about at the cross what we'll sing about at the cross forever and ever. So the second thing forever and ever. So the second thing forever and ever. So the second thing that we should learn from this story is that we should learn from this story is that we should learn from this story is that God's allegiance to God, God's that God's allegiance to God, God's that God's allegiance to God, God's upholding his name, God's upholding his name, God's upholding his name, God's faithfulness to his glory is the ground faithfulness to his glory is the ground faithfulness to his glory is the ground of our hope. of our hope. of our hope. I want to thank you for listening to I want to thank you for listening to I want to thank you for listening to this episode of Light and Truth, where this episode of Light and Truth, where this episode of Light and Truth, where we are committed to providing God- we are committed to providing God- we are committed to providing God- centered preaching to help you see centered preaching to help you see centered preaching to help you see Christ clearly and treasure him truly. Christ clearly and treasure him truly. Christ clearly and treasure him truly. I'm your host, Dan Kruever. On our next I'm your host, Dan Kruever. On our next I'm your host, Dan Kruever. On our next episode, John Piper continues our episode, John Piper continues our episode, John Piper continues our 13-part series, The God Who Orders Evil, 13-part series, The God Who Orders Evil, 13-part series, The God Who Orders Evil, with a message titled, The King Who Dies with a message titled, The King Who Dies with a message titled, The King Who Dies for Rebels. I hope you'll join us. For for Rebels. I hope you'll join us. For for Rebels. I hope you'll join us. For more [music] resources, visit more [music] resources, visit more [music] resources, visit desiring.org.