Monday, November 19, 2012

They Asked For A King -Acts 13:17-21

Acts 13:17-21 ESV
The God of the Israelites chose our ancestors and helped them become a large population while they were living in Egypt many years ago. He displayed His great power by leading them out of that powerful nation. 18 For about 40 years, He endured their constant complaining in the wilderness. 19 He opened up some land for them in Canaan by destroying the seven nations living there, and that land became their inheritance for about 450 years. 20 They had tribal leaders through the time of the prophet Samuel. 21 Then they asked for a king, and God gave them one—Saul, son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin—who reigned for 40 years.

After gaining the land as promised, the Israelites embark on another type of wilderness journey by asking for a king, instead of being satisfied with God as their king. For 40 years they had wandered through the desert as a result of disobedience. Again they disagree with God.

The next king, David, foreshadows the coming Christ. The promised land foreshadows a creation restored and the rest of God. The 40 years could represent our life on earth as we learn to trust and follow God. It is here we are given the choice of choosing God, or something else. In these two examples the Israelites chose badly and lived with the consequence of their decision.

Maybe we can learn from their mistakes.

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