Today’s Scripture Reading (December
7, 2012): 1 Samuel 15
Canada is
officially a monarchy. That single fact surprises a lot of people. It is also
one of the interpretations of the events that led up to the War of 1812. When
the American army stepped onto Canadian soil, part of the purpose of the
Americans was to help free the Canadian people from the tyranny of the British
monarchy – in much the same way that the Americans had already broken their ties
with Britain. But, when they arrived, they were surprised to find out that
Canadians were not in any hurry to break relations with Britain. And 200 years
later, Canada still maintains strong ties with the United Kingdom.
Officially,
we share our monarch (Queen Elizabeth II) equally with fifteen other countries.
The Queen’s rule on Canadian soil is accomplished through the position of the Governor
General. The Governor General acts with all of the power of the monarch in
Canadian politics. Although the role has been reduced to a mostly ceremonial
purpose in recent years, still by law all government actions are passed through
him to be approved by the one who has the authority of the queen. And the Governor
General serves at the pleasure of the Queen.
That is the
message that Samuel wanted Saul to understand. Saul’s power as the monarch of
Israel was not absolute. He was chosen by God to fulfill the position, and
anointed by Samuel into the position. Saul served at the pleasure of the God of
Israel. And Samuel was his voice on the earth – he was God’s Governor General. So,
if God spoke, even if that message was spoken through Samuel, it would benefit
Saul to listen.
But Saul did
not want to listen. What had become important to Saul – was Saul. Absolutely
nothing else mattered - and his family and his kingdom would suffer because of
it.
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalm
23
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