CUP OF COMFORT: Know the Consequences

“When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the Lord will not answer you in that day.”

1 Samuel 8:18

• We made up contracts for our teenage boys, outlining the family rules about car, cash, and curfew. Each boy signed his name and agreed to abide by the guidelines—or else forfeit privileges. We loved our boys, but we all held to the agreement: The one who made a bad choice experienced the consequences. They agreed not to let anyone else drive the car. But after football practice, when another defensive player asked to take their new car for a spin around the school parking lot, they decided that they knew better than us about these things, and handed over the keys. Unfortunately, when their friend shoved the gear into reverse and pressed the gas, he immediately hit another car. The guys had to pay for the other car’s repairs, and they lost their driving privileges for quite a while. In the context of the verse above, we read about a significant turning point for the elders of Israel. They had rejected God’s leadership through Samuel and demanded that He appoint a king to rule over them as in nations around them, they said. So God made an agreement with Israel that spelled out the consequences of their choice. Unfortunately, the people not only rejected God’s leadership, but they also lost His listening ear. Beware what you pray for . . . lest you receive it. —

#cupofcomfort #inspiration