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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