Please read this passage before reading this homily.
The people asked for a king. They had thoroughly approved of Samuel, but his children were not like him. They demanded a king.
Life had been fairly easy under the Lord. Here is what life would be like under kings: a military draft; a military-industrial complex; conscripted personal servants, high taxes; and a king who could live in luxury with a personal fortune appropriated from the people. This was not a new idea: it was known and used by kings and emperors the world over. It is still used in our day by kings, prime ministers, presidents, dictators.
I suppose thar life under God would be ‘boring but quiet’ whereas under a ‘king’ life would be full of activity, poverty and danger.
We live under the wealth of a leader, so much so that we have time to argue in hostile ways the questions we face in life. Poorer countries produce people less belligerent because the people have to work hard to pay bills. It is hard to argue or do battle when someone is hungry.
We can see signs of wealth and power where we live. It is harder to notice the true signs of wealth and power. Things we can see can pull us from things that we cannot see. It is what see only by faith is what gives true happiness and joy.