April 8

1 Samuel 4-8
Even though Israel flourished with a small government, and God being their only king, they wanted to be like the other nations, with a king and the expansion of government that the king would bring. They wanted this government to take care of them. Samuel warned them of the costs and dangers that would come with this decision, but they wouldn't listen. I can't help but see the parallel to what we are seeing in America today. We have been a nation blessed by God, a people who stood on their own, with little dependence upon the government. However, we are now seeing many who want to increase the size of our government, a culture that more closely resembles European nations, a society that rejects God as the supreme authority for our nation, and a people who rely more heavily on the government, thus relinguishing our independence. Oh that we would learn from the mistakes of Israel, and repent before it is too late!