The famous burger king commercial, you can have it your way with all the fixins on the famous whopper or just a few selected items. What ever you like!
Both Elvis and Sinatra released renditions of the song “My Way.” This song, which sold very well for both artists, glamorizes self-deification, which is the essence of sin. It advocates the perilous path of worldly wisdom.
I want you to think about something, do we not live in a very demanding world, where when we want something our way, we are actually pushed by society to strive for it!
Have you ever heard of the term, “You can do what ever you want, if you believe in yourself, work hard, don’t take no for an answer, and so on…”
I am here to say this friends, having it your ways is NOT always the best path!
In the book of Samuel, the prophet Samuel reflected Israel’s commitment to this perilous path in their demand for a king to rule over them. During the time of the judges, Israel had been a theocracy (ruled by God). Dissatisfied with that, they clamored for an earthly king. Even in the face of God’s warning to them about the burdens a human king would place upon them, they insisted on having a monarch. Intent on having their way, they utterly rejected God’s way.
When people choose the “my way” approach to life, they set out on a perilous path. A path that is weak…and destined for certain doom.
Now one would think, that if you would choose your own path on this journey of life, one would hope that all the scenarios was thought of before making the decision. How about taking in account all Godly advice you may have received or even read all the documents, Scripture or reference material needed to help make a decision of what ever it was.
But that is NOT what happened! Israel’s only reason for demanding a king was that they might be like other nations. Think about it, they wanted to be like someone else! They didn’t want Gods best way for them, they seeked the desires of their own heart, not Gods.
Having God as their ruler and king, wasn’t enough. Does this sound familiar?
So Saul was appointed as Israel’s first earthly King. A copycat mentality, shaped by covetousness and lust, has been the downfall of many people. Think of the teens you have known who were enticed into drugs, alcohol, or illicit sex because it seemed to them that everyone else was doing it. Imagine the young adults who build up insurmountable debts in an effort to keep pace with their friends in regard to material possessions. Keeping up with the jones!
We all should beware of the weakness of a rationale for behavior that causes us to feel that we have to pattern our lives after the world. The world is at enmity with God. Our way ultimately leads to destruction.
Israel had the mistaken notion that a monarch would enable them to gain constant military victory over their enemies. What about God saving Israel time and time again, defeating enemy after enemy, feeding them and saving them over and over again, did that not count to them? Apparently not!
At the start of Saul’s reign, he had some military success, but when he impatiently and presumptuously usurped the place of Samuel as priest and offered an unlawful sacrifice, he lost his kingdom. From that point on, Saul’s reign was doomed. Being a King, you would hope to listen to the advice of your cabinet or counsel, and ultimately God, but what this shows you, the human heart is corrupt to the core! He became a pathetic, emotionally distraught, spiritually empty, and largely ineffective king. Filled with jealousy and paranoia about David, he was destined to die in defeat.
Sometimes, not always, when people choose the way of the world, they seem to have everything human beings could want out of life. Eventually, however, they will experience the destruction of the perilous way.
I can’t help but think of the singers mentioned at the beginning of this message—both reflected their own lifestyles in the song “My Way.” Both knew great popularity, wealth, and power but also experienced great loss. One died in personal humiliation—an end that eventually befalls those who choose to live “my way” instead of God’s way.
Inclosing, let me go back to the start of the message and ask the question, Why did God allow Israel to go down this path? Let us hear again the words of Samuel:
Samuel prayed to the LORD. And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people regarding all that they say to you, because they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being King over them. Like all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt even to this day—in that they have abandoned Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you as well. Now then, listen to their voice; however, you shall warn them strongly and tell them of the practice of the king who will reign over them.”
Who changed! Did God change, or did Israel change their heart?
God’s emotions are NOT dependent upon man’s. As people become highly responsible in the religious life, they are inclined to assume too much. When we claim our self-righteous behavior, thinking we are qualified to make sound decisions even if we think its Godly, we end up disappointed! Basically, God listened to the people, knowing their heart, in paraphrasing, If you want to mess things up, go ahead!
Godly men and women should passionately seek to follow the will of God, to conform their purposes with Gods. Yes, that does includ coming to Church, to fellowship, learn, grow and worship God. Those are things God requires of us, especially if you are physically able to do so. They then begin to feel that they can speak with authority; and it is here that the trouble begins.
If their authority is not recognized, they institute their inquisitions and their heresy trials, always sure that they are doing God’s will. Look at the Salem witch trials! It was for sure and certain that each judge at those trials stated witches was there and present in Salem. Evidence proves otherwise.
Christ tells us friends to always seek God’s wise and fruitful guidance, even if you think all the stars are aligned up in your favor, all the doors have been opened before, all your dreams seem to come true.
Always seek Godly guidance, not in doubt, but boldly believe in Gods ever loving grace and mercy that what is written Trust in the Lord and do good; Live in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. Amen.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.