Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God. Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm.
Psalm 20:7-8
One of the most heart-wrenching scenes in Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther is when Killmonger, played by Michael B. Jordan is ruthlessly beating T’Challa, played by the late Chadwick Boseman.
At one point during the battle Killmonger looks to the crowd and asks, “Is this your king?”
The implication of his rhetorical question was that the people had selected someone to rule over them who was weak.
It’s a tale as old as time.
We can look as far back as 1 Samuel 8 (estimated at around 1500 BC) when the Israelites demanded to be ruled by a king because they wanted to be like other nations.
God spoke to them constantly through the prophet Samuel assuring them that he was the only King that they needed — that He ruled in love and justice but much like a relentless toddler the people did not let up. So God gave into their request and just like a wise parent who can assess what the outcome will be to giving into toddler demands, God gave the Israelites their requested King.
He chose a man named Saul from a town called Gibeah who was simply out looking for his father’s donkeys when Samuel approached him and let him know he had been chosen the rule the Israelites (1 Samuel 9 and 10).
Saul wasn’t up for the job.
In fact, scripture says when it was time to make the announcement public he hid (1 Samuel 10:22). But eventually he surrendered to the call. Later caving under the pressure of his position (1 Samuel 13:8-15).
He was impressive in stature but proved to be underdeveloped in spirit and eventually his need to keep up appearances would not only lead to his death but the death of his son Jonathan (1 Samuel 31).
I wonder how many of us have submitted to the authority of people, places and positions that were never fully equipped to lead us from the beginning — they just looked impressive and our trust in them seemed to be justified based on other people’s excitement.
We got the new job and everyone cheered. We signed a contract with the new client that we’ve been waiting on for weeks, if not months. Finally, after telling ourselves we were going to get serious in the gym we started to lose weight and people can see it.
But there’s something so strange about wins. Eventually, the dust settles, the novelty wears off and we find ourselves feeling just as lonely, insufficient and unfulfilled as when we got started.
I know it is a gift to be able to enjoy the good things God gives. My family, friends and Bible tudy Study Babes will tell you I love a praise report and have been known to cry when they share their good news with me.
From promotions and elevations to moments of deliverance, one thing is clear God be Goding, okay?!
My encouragement in this week’s lightbulb moment is to make sure that we are always clear on the difference between the Giver and the gift.
Everything else on this Earth will fade away but His Kingdom has no end (Luke 1:33).
I want us to be perfectly content as others flaunt their chariots and horses because our hearts remain anchored in the one who governs them.
Our great I Am, our Prince of Peace.
This…this is Our King.
Reflection Questions
What thing were you excited about at the beginning of this year that has now lost its spark?
How might distinguishing between the Giver and the gift help as you navigate your next season?
Song for the Week
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