In 1 Samuel 8, we read about how Samuel appointed his two sons to succeed him as judges for Israel. But the Israelites demanded that Samuel instead appoint a king to be their judge as was the case with all the other nations.

That demand displeased Samuel and the Lord who considered their request a rejection of his leadership of the country. But the Lord agreed to give the Israelites what they wanted after giving them a warning.

As we make decisions as leaders of others – and as we choose others to lead us – what lessons can we learn for ourselves from Samuel, from his sons, from the people of Israel and from the Lord?