samuel
Mr. E. L Mathansingh
Unassuming Heroes 3
Three-Fold Leadership
Following the period of judges and before the era of kings, God chose a child. He prepared this child to be a good spiritual leader. He served as a judge, prophet and a priest and made a mark in the history of Israel. Samuel was God ' s chosen vessel. An Obedient Child
Not many of the life sketches in the Bible start with their childhood. Before we are introduced to Samuel, we are introduced to his parents. Samuel was a child of a praying mother. He was born amidst pain and suffering. His name means,“ Heard of the Lord” or“ The Lord ' s Name.” Even when he was a small boy, he was separated from his house to serve in the sanctuary. He lived in the presence of the Lord and served Him from a very tender age. He was obedient to God. He was like a lamp always burning( 1 Sam 2:11, 3:1). A Fiery Prophet
Samuel learnt to listen to God ' s voice and hence, he became God ' s voice to His people. God ' s Grace and God ' s Word prepared Samuel to be a fiery prophet( 1 Sam 3:20, 1 Chro 9:22). It is surprising to note that he admonished the elderly Eli( 1 Sam 2:27-35). He
rebuked the people of Israel to turn from idolatry and encouraged them to fight against Philistines( 1 Sam 3:19-21). The people of Israel sought the counsel of Samuel for their problems( 1 Sam 9:6-10). A Committed Priest
Samuel was a Levite. But he was given an extraordinary job of a priest( 1 Sam 2:35, 7:9-10, 13:8-10). Israelites faced oppression because they did not follow the Lord with all their heart. God chose Israel for Himself as a treasured possession( Levi 22:26). But they wanted to be like their neighbours. In such a scenario, Samuel fulfilled his duty as a priest, faithfully. He interceded for them( 1 Sam 7:9) and offered sacrifices( 1 Sam 7: 9, 10). He also blessed them( 1 Sam 10:17). Under God ' s direction, he anointed two kings to rule over Israel( 1 Sam 10:1, 16:13). A Persuading Judge
Each time, the people of Israel wandered away from the Lord, they faced a stumbling block. When the Philistines overcame Israelites and took the Ark of Covenant away, it was Samuel who admonished the people to turn back to the Lord( 1 Sam 4:11, 7:3, 4). The people obeyed Samuel ' s word and became victorious( 1 Sam 7:5-6, 9-10). He believed that true revival was only possible after true repentance. He judged people all through his life. Even when Israel was under the kingship, Samuel was judging the people( 1 Sam 7:15- 17). A Leader Who Carved A Niche
Though there were several problems during the time of Samuel, Israel, nevertheless moved forward( 1 Sam 7:13,14). Samuel acted as a faithful counselor to the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David( 1 Sam 9:25, 10:25, 19:18). When Saul disobeyed God ' s command, Samuel rebuked him sharply( 1 Sam 15:22,23). Samuel ' s life spoke a million words. His testimony impacted the whole Nation( 1 Sam 12:1-5). His ministry changed the course of the history of Israel. His death shook people ' s heart and all the Israel mourned for him( 1 Sam 25:1). It is no surprise that the name of Samuel appears among the heroes of faith in the Bible( Heb 11:30).
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