1. Both you and your king must obey God (1-15)

From Samuel's point of view, it was a sin for the people to ask for a king. But in the real world of war and politics, it was inevitable. God also had a plan for the kingdom. He even provided rules for kings in Deuteronomy 17. To Samuel, however, it was a rejection of the kingship of God. He reminded them of how God their king had provided shepherds for them in every time of need. Then he warned them that they and their king must follow the ways of the Lord as top priority.

2. I will not fail to pray for you (16-25)

God sent a severe and unseasonable thunder storm to reinforce Samuel's words, and the people were terrified. They asked Samuel to pray for them. Samuel was God's servant and their shepherd. Even though they had rejected his leadership he could not abandon them. His commitment was to God; he must teach them the Bible and pray for them.

Application: Lord, help me to pray for your people and teach the Bible as long as I live.
One Word: Pray for God's people