The leaders of Israel met and then petitioned the prophet, Samuel, for a king to rule over them. Why? They wanted to be "like the other nations." Even when informed about the king's rights over the peoples' sons, daughters, fields/lands, servants, flocks, and the reality of them becoming the king's slaves - they still insisted on having this king.

Samuel was utterly unhappy with this request because up till the petition, God was the King of Israel. From theocracy (being ruled by God); they will now move towards a monarchy (being ruled by a human king).

How did God look at this request and what is the prophet of God to do? God told Samuel - "Obey the voice of the people and give them a king ... it is not you they have rejected ... they have rejected Me from ruling over them."

In our own lives as Christians, how are we like the Israelites? Do we try to change or maintain a lifestyle, so that we will be "like the others?" Do we insist on this lifestyle, even if it means, rejecting the sound advice of fellow Christians? Even if it means rejecting God?