“What kind of government do we want?” asks Ryan Ahlgrim, pastor of First Mennonite Church of Richmond, Virginia. Ahlgrim continues, “We’re not alone in this…even the ancient Israelites wrestled with this question.” In today’s passage, 1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15), despite Samuel’s warnings of life with a king, the Israelites demand it. While it wasn’t perfect, the good news for the Israelites and the good news for us is this: “God is able to work even through a system that isn’t really what God had in mind.”

This sermon is from A Sermon for Every Sunday, a series of lectionary-based video sermons designed for use in worship, Bible study, small groups, Sunday school classes or for individual use.

For more sermon preparation help, check out Pulpit Resource, Will Willimon's weekly lectionary-based sermon resource, available online and through a print subscription.