1 Samuel 9, Ecclesiastes 10, 2 Peter 3

God decided to give Israel what they wanted: a king. He chose Saul, a young man full of promise. Samuel followed God's leading and anointed Saul, even though he agreed with God, and warned the people, that they were better off without a king. Samuel was their leader. His position and influence could have been diminished by a king. But he trusted and obeyed God. Samuel could have focused on his insecurities or his worries about the future. Instead, he busied himself with the work at hand. Even with the real possibility it would all blow up in his face (and it did) he followed God's lead. Sometimes God's will looks like a disaster to us.

Solomon saw the excesses of the courts of his contemporaries and the ridiculous results. His own wisdom was the reason he rose above all other kings and queens. As the king, he understood the ways royalty procured information: reckless, open speech. He knew all he or his servants had to do was listen. Somebody would babble sooner or later. Let's not be known for our babbling, but for our listening.

When it seems the foolish and the wicked will rule forever, the Day of the Lord will come. The earth will burn up and judgment will be meted out. This is the true big picture. Until then, we are to live as wise ones, following God, listening to and trusting Him, no matter what.