Good morning!
Greetings in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” (1 Samuel 8:19-20)
This is the response of Israelites to Prophet Samuel’s warning about a king. “This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. … He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. … he will take for his own use.” (1 Samuel 8:11, 14, 16) The Israelites looked around and saw surrounding countries ruled by kings. For their eyes, people in those countries were living in peace and comfort because of their king. If there was a conflict with another country, their king took its army, fought against incoming enemies, and protected them. In reality, as Samuel patiently explained, a king would reign over you people and would claim as his rights. He would take the best for his own use. Yes, an earthly king takes from his people while putting his safety and prosperity first before those of his people. Have you seen an earthly king who stands at the frontline of a battle while risking his life? No, he stands behind by keeping a safe distance. Then he sends his own people to the frontline to fight for and protect him. If his army wins, he takes all credits and glories. If his army loses, he often becomes the first person fleeing from the battle. Even so, the Israelites badly wanted, tenaciously demanded a king. Samuel patiently persuaded the people, but they were deaf because their heart were already sold to the earthly king.
Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)
There is another king, whose name is Jesus. Although he was the real King, he did not physically reign over people and claim as his rights. He did not take the best from people. Rather He came to this world to serve, not to be served. He did not stand behind the frontline, but was far ahead of the frontline by leaving his people behind to protect them. He knew the outcome of the battle, and the severity of pain and agony afflicted by the war between Him and evil power. He endured the pains and agony to serve us.
He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. (Isaiah 42:2-3)
He did not shout nor cry out. He silently endured all sufferings before Him. He was gentle and compassionate to those who were weak and suffering. He comforted them and gave hope.
They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Blessed is the king of Israel!”
Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written.
“Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;
see, your king is coming,
seated on a donkey’s colt.” (John 12:13-15)
Those who were hurt and oppressed flocked around Him, took palm branches, and shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” They declared Him the king of Israel. He was a humble king. He was on a donkey, and entered Jerusalem for us.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. (Isaiah 53:7)
He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:8)
Jesus, the humble king, became obedient to death – even death on a cross. Why? He came to this world to give his life as a ransom for many. Then He bled and died on cross to fulfill God’s will and complete our salvation.
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2: 9-11)
Therefore God exalted Him, and gave him all the glory of God the Father. Every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Chris is the Lord. The humble and loving king will come again. When he comes again, we will all be changed, and our salvation will be completed.
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him. It is good that he waits silently For the salvation of the LORD. (Lamentations 3:24-26)
Praise the king, who is humble and full of love! Give the highest glory to the one, who will complete our salvation. Shout for joy because our salvation is closer by one more day. Sing praises! We will be with Him forever. Let’s continue eagerly waiting for the King of kings, the Lord of lords. He will surely come. Humbly bow down before Him, and give the highest praises and honor to Him. Hallelujah! His name will be praised on earth as well as in Heaven.
Let’s pray to our true king who gave his own life to forgive our sins and transgression. All our sins are completely forgiven, and they are gone like a morning fog. We are free and become a new person who can call God, “Abba Father.” There is no more fear in our life. We become His people having a citizenship in Heaven and will live with Him forever in Heaven. Praise the Lord! His mercy and grace endures forever. He is our one and only King. Amen!