Dear Parents,

Samuel had judged Israel throughout his lifetime, but he was getting old. So Samuel appointed his sons, Joel and Abijah, as judges over Israel. But like many sons, Joel and Abijah did not follow the example of their father. They were unfair and dishonest. They disobeyed God and caused problems for Israel.

Until this time, Israel had relied on God to give them judges to lead them. The elders of Israel spoke to Samuel about his sons, and they demanded a king. They pointed out that all the other nations around them had kings. Samuel wasn’t happy with their request, and he prayed to God.

God replied, “Give them what they want. They have not rejected you; they have rejected Me as their king.” God pointed out that His people had been doing the same thing ever since He brought them out of Egypt: turning from God and worshiping other gods. He told Samuel to warn the Israelites about the consequences of having a king.

So Samuel explained to the Israelites what rights a king would have. He warned that when they regretted asking for a king—and they would regret it—God would not help them. The people still insisted on having a king, so God told Samuel to appoint a king.

Through a series of events, a young man named Saul came to Samuel. God had chosen Saul to be the king, so Samuel told Saul about God’s plan. Samuel anointed Saul by pouring oil on his head, and then Samuel presented Saul to Israel. “Long live the king!” the people replied.

God knew Israel would want a king, but the kind of king Israel wanted was not the kind of king they needed. They wanted a king like the other nations. The problem was that every human king would fail them. God had a plan to give them Jesus—fully God and fully man. Jesus would be a perfect King who would reign with justice and righteousness forever. (Isa. 9:6-7)

God Bless, 

David Feiser
Family Ministry Pastor
The Well Community Church 

Family Starting Points

September 8, 2019

Scripture Memory: Colossians 1:16-17

“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

Big Picture Question: 

Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever, and He rules over the world.

Bible Story: Israel Demanded a King (1 Samuel 8-10)

• The Israelites wanted a king like other nations.
• Samuel warned the people that a king would make them do what he wanted.
• God chose Saul as king.

Family Discussion Starters: 

• How did wanting a king show that the Israelites did not trust God?
• Have you ever wanted something someone else had?
• Have you ever gotten something you wanted and it did not turn out to be a great as you expected?

Family Activity:

• Play “Simon Says” as a family. Remind preschoolers that the Israelites would have to do whatever their new king said.
• Find pictures of national leaders online. Remind children that human leaders make mistakes, but God is a perfect King.