The Israelites Wanted a King
(1 Samuel 7-10)
October 19th, 2025
Sunday Recap
•
Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
As the time of the judges came to an end, God's people grew discontent with the leadership of Samuel’s sons. The elders of Israel, desiring to be more like the nations surrounding them, commanded Samuel to appoint a king to rule over them. In His perfect wisdom, God would give His people over to their desire for an earthly king. Yet, God revealed how Israel's desire for an earthly king ultimately showcased their rejection of Him as their one true King.
What were the spiritual implications of the Israelites’ desire for a king? How does Christ fit into the narrative?
The Israelites once again found themselves in a season of discontentment—unhappy with their circumstances, as well as God’s provision and leadership in their lives. Like their ancestors before them, they forgot how He freed them from slavery and preserved and provided for them as His chosen people. Rather than seeking the Lord with hearts of worship, the Israelites placed their focus on the nations around them. They did not trust God to continue providing for them.
Consider the ways we are tempted to place our hope in earthly things rather than on the things above (Colossians 3:2). The people rejected God as their King, and we fall into the same pattern when we seek the things of the world in place of the God who created it.
Lead the children in your care to see how Israel had a divided heart toward God and how Christ came to free us from the power of sin that separates us from Him. When we trust in Jesus by faith, He gives us new hearts that worship Him alone as King. Pray for your children’s eyes to be opened to the love Christ has shown us through His life, death, and resurrection—freeing us to follow the God who rules and reigns with all power and care for His creation.
** Next week: Saul Rescued Israel (1 Samuel 11-13)
Family Discipleship Plan
•
Family Discipleship Plan •
-
Read the 1 Samuel 7-10 from the Bible.
-
Have you ever visited a frozen yogurt shop that allows you to choose your own toppings? They have so many choices: crumbled cookies, fruit, sprinkles, and even whipped cream that makes your sweet treat even sweeter! It’s very tempting to want all the toppings, but that would only lead to a stomachache and lots of regret!
The people of Israel did not like the judges God had put in charge of leading them. When they saw how other nations around them had kings, the Israelites wanted a king of their own! Samuel warned the people that they would regret asking for a king, but the Israelites didn’t care. So, God gave the people what they wanted—a king named Saul.
The Israelites chose their own way and rejected God’s way. Sin is choosing anything that goes against God and His commands. We’ve all sinned because we thought our way would be better than God’s way. But God is so great that He had an even better plan to save us! God sent Jesus to be the perfect King. When it came time for Jesus to die on the cross, He chose to follow His Father’s plan even though it meant Jesus would have to suffer. Jesus trusted God’s plan and gave His life to save all who believe in Him!
The Israelites rejected God as King and chose Saul to be their king. When we sin, we also reject God’s rule in our lives as King. Jesus, the King of kings, died for our sin and rose again so we could be forgiven.
Pray:
God, help us trust in You and Your plans for us. When we want to choose our own way, give us the strength to follow You. And when we sin by choosing our way instead of Yours, remind us of the forgiveness that is found in Jesus. Amen. -
Preschool:
The Lord has set up his throne in heaven. His kingdom rules over all.
Psalm 103:19 NIrV
Older Kids:
The Lord has set up his throne in heaven. His kingdom rules over all.
Psalm 103:19 NIrV
-
Mornings
Ask God to help your family trust in His goodness and His plans—even when unexpected things happen. How does our faith grow in difficult situations?How does remembering God’s faithfulness help you to face the unexpected?
Evenings
Praise God for His faithfulness to you today. Thank Him for being with you all day—no matter what happened. Where did you see God’s goodness in your day? How does celebrating His goodness today help us prepare for tomorrow?
-
For Fun
Play “king for a day” throughout the week, allowing each family member to have a turn making decisions like what game the family will play, what movie the family will watch, or what dessert the family will eat. Discuss how earthly kings are often tempted to do things their own way, but Jesus, our heavenly King, rules over all, and always does what God the Father wants.To Serve
Take time to pray for the leaders who serve your community. Write a letter to them letting them know your family has prayed for them and for the job God has given them to do.