Despite warnings to the contrary, the nation of Israel was bound and determined to enthrone an earthly king.  God knew the day would come when Israel would desire a king to rule over them, and in His infinite wisdom, God gave Israel legislation regarding their future monarch (Dt.17:14-20).  However, Israel’s desire to have an earthly monarch did not stem from a motivation to walk in paths of righteousness.  Israel longed for a king that they “also may be like all the nations” (I Sam.8:20).  In spite of Samuel’s warning as to what their king would really be (8:11-18), the nation of Israel refused to listen.  In her desire to enthrone an earthly king, Israel had dethroned the King of kings (8:7).  She would have in no other way (8:19).
     These words did not die with the Israelite elders of Samuel’s day.  There are many within the camp of Israel today who are proclaiming these defiant words.  There are those within the body of Christ who desire to see the church of Christ “be like all the [denomi]nations.”  They have rejected the King of kings and His law.  Instead, they choose to champion their earthly king, whether it be Max Lucado, or Rubel Shelly, or Jeff Walling, or whomever.  Despite God’s warnings regarding false teachers (Mt.7:15ff, I Jn.4:1f, etc.), many in the Lord’s church refuse to listen.  They merely wait to hear the call from their earthly king to wheel in the piano, or allow women to preach or serve as elders, and they “love to have it so” (Jer.5:31).  Israel desired a king so that she would become like all the nations, and in a very short time her desire was fulfilled.  Where will the church be if the defiant and insolent continue to reject the true King, and champion these earthly kings?