Primary 75 - God will give us a King

Image of Saul and Samuel

Children, 

Leaders are not perfect, not even prophets, who are asked to lead us. Now, this is not to say that we should not follow them. We must begin to realize the weight of responsibility that a government, a church, clubs, or whatever ever, gives a leader, is heavy and when we ask them to govern too long can be too much. When we have too much to bear, we all can make mistakes. We learn about this in the story of Saul and David. Samuel warned us (1 Samuel 8:10-22) and Moses did too (Deuteronomy 17:14-20) that too much power will corrupt and everyone involved will suffer. 

In the church, we are given callings and during the time of judges, they had callings as we do today. This kept talented people in leadership but not overwhelmed and if they did become overwhelmed they could be released from their duties or callings and chosen later when it was a better time. The role of prophet or king is a life calling and the Lord knew this. He also knows the weight that it would have and the change it would make in Israel. He wanted us to avoid the problem but Israel wanted to be like everyone else without looking at the problems of everyone else. The Lord conceded and let the problem happen because Israel wanted it.

The desire to be popular or follow the crowd or sin (be like the neighbors) is high. If the neighbors have money or a nice house and lawn, cool stuff, it can be tempting to covet. Israel was no different and wanted to be like everyone else (like the kings that lived next store in the borders). Israel had judges for hundreds of years like us today.  The church of God is different than other churches. Israel is meant to be different; America is meant to be different; the saints are meant to be different.

Because we have agency and God loves us He gave Israel a king and anointed him through a prophet. He gave him counsel and warnings to both the new leader and the children of Israel. Saul didn't listen and David struggled too. They began to sin and pull away from the Lord and they blamed the people for their sins. Do not blame others or circumstances for your behavior or sin. Repent and be different, better than you were yesterday.

When we try to be like everyone else we start to pull away from the instruction of the prophets of the Lord. We stop reading the scriptures and praying because they listen to the world. We are meant to rise above the trial and pressure that comes to have us follow everyone else. 

Brad Wilcox once told a story of being a gatherer of sheep. He attempted to corral the sheep using a cliff edge and it worked originally but the headstrong and largest finally had enough and because they had been away from the council and teachings of the herd and the shepherds, he jumped off the cliff. To the horror of the shepherds, the other sheep followed and jumped to their deaths. That day the young Brad learned a good leader will help and a poor leader will hurt their flock. Following the crowd can be dangerous. Young Brad learned it that day.

Noah and Benjamin are great examples of kings in the Book of Mormon. We watched as their example lead their herds, their people, to become great and multigenerational followers of Christ or become seized and controlled by others and short-lived and stressed to leave their slavery (like Limhi, Noah's son) because they didn't follow even the most simple ten commandments. 

Now let's get to the point. We are going to have a king one day. That fellow will be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Does that mean things will change? Maybe. Will freedom be lost? No, but will be even better than today. When will that happen? We don't know, nor does it matter. Right now we should be learning about kings and power and what it does to people. People are good. Responsibility is needed. Helping our others is needed. Remember to love and honor the Lord through keeping His commandments and help and serve others so that they can see Christ through our example.

We should strive to help be the change good in our community. We should be examples of Christ’s love and light. We do this by treating others as sons and daughters of Christ and as our brothers or sisters. Show respect, and love, and go forth looking for ways to serve the Lord. Pray for guidance and quickly obey. We testify that as you do you will be able to see changes in those around you and yourself. Stay close to the Lord and he will bless you. We love you guys.

Challenges 

1) Read 2 Samuel 5-7; 11; 12; 1 Kings 3; 8; 11

2) David had faith that the Lord would deliver Goliath into his hands. Take time this week to think of the Goliaths (big trials, obstacles) you have faced. Record how the Lord helped you overcome those Goliaths.