Hurting God’s Feelings

By Peter Crause

1Samuel 8:7 And the LORD said to Samuel, listen to the people in all that they say to you: for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

The nation of Israel had the greatest King any nation would want or need. Their King was not merely a “figurehead” as today’s royalty are; but was actively involved in their daily national and individual affairs. He revealed Himself as Captain of the Lord’s armies to Joshua. Their King was not a passive backroom planner, but “the Lord is a man of war” – He actively led His people. When they followed, victory over their enemies was a given; when they presumed to lead, the smallest foe routed them.

After all the Lord had done for them, one would think they would’ve served Him unconditionally and done everything in their power to obey and love Him. (Don’t be too harsh on Israel – do we serve Him unconditionally and do everything in our power to obey and love Him?) The sad fact is that what was recorded in the nation’s history “was for our admonition and learning” – object lessons for us – a revelation that environment doesn’t change man’s evil heart of unbelief. We all need a “heart transplant”.

The carnal nature can never be satisfied! It always lusts for more and more. To the degree we yield to its lusts, to that degree we lose the spiritual passion we had. Who is your Master and King? Is it the Lord of Hosts or is it “King Self”? Do we want to follow the Lord wholeheartedly or do we want “to be like all the other people”? Does the satisfying of selfish needs and desires supersede our duty to satisfy the Lord’s desires?

Our scripture reference has a sad note to it. It seems almost as if the nation had “hurt God’s feelings” by their decision to seek another king. The greatest hurt anyone can suffer is that of unrequited love. God lavished His love on His people; their dumb response was to reject it. What is it in our human natures that cause us to so quickly forget what the Lord has done? Today you can have a glorious time in His presence – tomorrow you may feel “blah” and rather watch TV than spend time in His Word and in His presence. Effectively you have chosen “another king”; something else to submit to – just like Israel of old.

Psalm 106:15 and he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.

Only God can satisfy our spiritual hunger and need. Child of God, you will never be satisfied with another “king”. Keep Him on “centre stage” in your life!

Years ago there was a “Gospel tract” that had an outline picture of a heart with the following caption:

“There is a heart-shaped vacuum in every man that only God can fill.”

I like that! It is true!

Child of God; how is it with you today? Are you hurting God by putting Him second? He doesn’t want to play “second fiddle” you know? You will never know and enjoy all He has for you if He’s not King of your life.

King of my life, I crown thee now.

Thine shall the Glory be,

Lest I forget thy thorn crowned brow,

Lead me to Calvary.