1 Samuel 8, Ecclesiastes 9, 2 Peter 2

The middle years of Samuel's adult life were unremarkable for their lack of crisis. Samuel was a good man and a good leader. The people responded and enemies either were defeated, made peace with Israel, or simply steered clear of them.

But he wasn't a good dad. Maybe it was all his travel away from home. Maybe it was lack of focus on fatherhood. Whatever the reason, his sons turned out just like Eli's sons.

And the people panicked. Instead of trusting God when no heir apparent was in sight, they came up with their own plan. A king.

Yes, Samuel was old. Yes, he might well have died before God raised up a new leader. Yes, there might have been a leadership vacuum for a few years. But God knew what to do and they could trust Him. They chose not to.

Solomon contrasts the perspective of humans with that of God often in this book. We should work to please Him because reward on earth likely won't come. The world doesn't regard or reward those who are godly and wise.

Peter teaches the hopeless depravity of men, too. He describes the end result of these people's lives, and it is ugly. It is even worse for those who heard the truth, who appeared to follow it, but whose hearts never turned to the Lord. They had knowledge, but never surrendered to the Lord.

All three chapters tell of the futility of life for those who choose not to trust Christ. Solomon alluded to the fulfilled life: trust and follow God. Samuel did. Peter did. You can.

Joshua 1, Psalm 135, Ephesians 6

After Moses died, Joshua stepped into the leadership role as a military leader. The Lord told Joshua it was time to go in and possess the Promised Land and also promised to go with the people as they fought for it.

This Psalm is a praise to the Lord for keeping His promise to His people. He delivered them from Egypt and settled them in the land He gave them. He is the only true God.

Just as Joshua became a military leader and led the people to fight for their land, we also are in a battle for our land. Our land is our minds and God is with us to help us fight in the power of the Holy Spirit. He provides our armor and weapons, but He actually wins, defeating the enemy for us. (Col. 2:15)

Just as Psalms 135 records the victory from Joshua, Colossians 2:15 records the victory from Ephesians 6.