Today, let us start with Samuel.
As Samuel grew older, he appointed his sons to become Israel's leaders, but they were corrupt. The elders approached Samuel and asked him to give Israel a king to lead the nation. Samuel prayed over the request. God told Samuel that the people rejected Him, not Samuel, and as such, warned the people of what this king would do to them (none of it positive).
The people did not listen and still wanted a king, and God essentially said to give the people what they wanted. That this king would enslave several people, take their land and wealth, and break families apart did not matter. But if the people despaired over the king's actions and cried out to God - He would not answer.
Jewish leaders viewed Jesus as a threat to their authority, so they brought Him to Pontus Pilate for execution. Pilate questioned Jesus, wanting to know if Jesus committed a criminal act or if He threatened the Roman Empire. Pilate eventually asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?"
Jesus matter-of-factly informed Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world and that He "was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." After realizing that Jesus was not a threat to him, Pilate asked the Jewish leaders if he should release Jesus to them.
"No, not him! Give us Barabbas!" these leaders shouted. They wanted the man who participated in an uprising (Insurrection). Does that sound familiar?
The significance is this. There are people in America who have been convinced that they want a king/dictator in the form of Trump to run this country as he calls himself a Christian, whose favorite Bible passage is "Two Corinthians." Trump (who views himself as a king) is emblematic of the king mentioned in 1 Samuel 8, as he informed everyone what he would do from Day 1 of his administration by dividing people based upon loyalty to Trump, detaining immigrants, and enriching the billionaire class, among other things. And yes, Trump participated in the insurrection on January 6, 2021.
On the other hand, Jesus does not want to rule a country in the Earthly realm. Jesus wants to redeem us, to have us walk with the Lord, not with earthbound dictators and billionaires. As for the people clamoring for Trump's return to political power, they would be well served to read today's selections, for when Trump implements his plans (see Project 2025) and his voters howl in protest and call out to God, He will do just as he said in 1 Samuel 8; He's going to let the people have what they asked for.
Jesus' kingdom is not of this Earth. As of January 20, 2025, Trump's kingdom is based in Washington, D.C.
Both paths are laid before us. Should we follow Jesus as He leads us to His kingdom or follow Trump's path of destruction?
The choice is clear. Jesus is the way!
Please join us for our next service on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 11 AM. For the link, please email us at info@northchurchnyc.org.