Samuel stood before Israel and gave them a final word concerning their request for a king. Before addressing the nation, he asked whether he had ever cheated, oppressed, or wronged anyone. The people confirmed that Samuel had served them faithfully and honestly.

Samuel then reminded Israel of God’s faithfulness throughout their history. Again and again, God had delivered them from their enemies, yet they repeatedly turned away from Him. Now they had asked for a king because they wanted to be like the nations around them. In doing so, they had rejected God as their King.

Yet God allowed them to have the king they requested.

But their choice came with responsibility.

Samuel told them that having a king would not remove their responsibility to God. They and their king still had to fear the Lord, serve Him, and obey His voice. If they obeyed, they would continue to experience God’s favor. But if they rebelled, they would face the consequences of their disobedience.

Samuel’s message is simple: fear the Lord, serve Him faithfully, and obey His voice.

1 Samuel 12:24 says:

“Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.”

Before making our next choice, perhaps we should stop and remember what God has already done for us.

Our choices matter. And when our choices go against God’s commands, we should not be surprised when they bring consequences.