"Be Careful . . . " *sermon for the 4th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 5B*
I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying, “Be careful what you wish for.” That is very wise advice. Sometimes what we hope and long for is not all we thought it might be. Often there’s a difference between the dream and the reality. Many years ago, there was a show, “Fantasy Island.” You can still watch it. Mr. Roarke and his assistant, Tattoo, welcomed new guests each week. Each guest had a dream, a fantasy he or she wanted to live out. Things never ended as hoped, however. The same could be said for God’s people in our Hebrew Scripture lesson. Samuel warns the people to be careful what they wish for. Samuel bridges the period of the Judges to the early Monarchy. Notice why the people desire a king: · They want someone who can go before them in war. · The people want someone to tell them what to do. · They want to be just like the other nations with a king. · Also, Samuel’s sons are cor