Pastor Joe Aldrete of Calvary Chapel Foley examines why Israel demanded kings in the first place (1 Samuel 8)—they rejected God's direct leadership and wanted to be "like all the nations." He walks through thirteen kings from 2 Kings 10-16 and the key phrases: "he did what was right in the sight of the Lord" or "he did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord." Bad kings faltered via disobedience, half-hearted repentance, allowing idols and ungodly practices in God's house, and failing to fully purge wickedness. It led to compromise in the hearts of the people and ultimately the heart of the nation. The good kings—though imperfect, as even Uzziah got struck with leprosy because of pride—cleaned house, removed idols, brought back pure worship and God's Word, and experienced prosperity, military success, and God's blessing when they did things His way. The same issues plague Christians today who don't know what their Bibles say, hold worldly standards, don't know where to stand on hot topics like abortion and gender issues, and are led by spiritually compromised leaders. But God wanted to be our King all along and sent King Jesus to Earth. He rules and reigns in our lives, calling us to clean house, remove our idols, and do what is right in the sight of the Lord.

Exact Scripture References:

1 Samuel 8:1-9 (why Israel demanded kings)

2 Kings 10-16 (the 13 kings examined)

2 Kings 10:31 (Jehu not careful to walk in the Lord's ways)

2 Kings 14 (Amaziah)

2 Kings 15 (Azariah/Uzziah and Jotham)

2 Kings 16 (defiling the house of God)

2 Chronicles 26 (Uzziah's prosperity and leprosy)

John 1:1, 14 (the Word became flesh)

John 14:25-27 (the Helper, the Holy Spirit)

John 16:13 (Spirit of truth will guide you)

Romans 8:14 (led by the Spirit of God)

Romans 7:15-25 (Paul wrestling with his flesh)

Ephesians 2:8-9 (saved by grace through faith)

Proverbs 4:23 (guard your heart)

Proverbs 6:16-19 (six things the Lord hates)

Proverbs 29:2 (when the righteous are in authority)

Deuteronomy 12:31, 16:22 (God hates certain things)

1 John 3:1-3 (children of God, purify yourself)

Topics and keywords:

Why Israel had kings instead of God's direct leadership

Good kings versus bad kings in 2 Kings 10-16

Doing what is right in God's sight

Compromise at the altar leads to national decline

Partial obedience and half-hearted repentance

Idols and ungodly practices in God's house

Cleaning house and removing idols

God's blessing on obedience

Christians with blurred lines and worldly standards

Hot topics Christians don't know how to address

Praying for government leaders

Charles Spurgeon's prophecy about clowns and goats

God wanted to be King all along

King Jesus ruling and reigning in our lives

Ordinary people doing extraordinary things for God