Israel wanted a king

“Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” 1 Samuel 8:20
Up until this point in their history, Israel had been governed by God through the guidance of the priests. He had also sent judges to deliver the people. But now, as Samuel was getting on in years and his sons were showing their true colours, the people asked for a king. Samuel was displeased (1 Sam. 8:6) because he knew that God was their king, however he should not have been surprised. God had said to Moses in Deut. 17:14 that this would happen, and even there He gave the reason: so they could be like all the other nations. They also say it is so the king will go before them and fight their battles – choosing to ignore the many instances where God Himself went before them and fought their battles (Jericho, Gibeon, etc. See Josh. 10:42 and Josh. 23:3).
This wanting to be like the other nations is a problem in many churches today. How many churches have adopted marketing campaigns, just like the world indulges in, in an effort to ‘be relevant’? How many put on a good show to keep people entertained, instead of truly worshipping God in song? Israel was supposed to be separate and distinct from the other nations. So too is the Church. We are in the world, but we are not of it.