One of the most well-known among the non-writing prophets, Samuel was a judge over God’s people, the last leader of this sort for Israel. His mother, Hannah, prayed earnestly for a child and she dedicated him to the service of God at a very young age. Samuel trained under the high priest, and eventually grew to serve and to lead God’s people through pivotal times of conflict and transition. He consistently showed a dedication to the Lord and His truth. We will briefly examine three windows into his life, uncovering key principles of application for us in the Christian age.
First, Samuel shows us the importance of proclaiming the truth. As Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli, he had many opportunities to grow and develop in the faith. During this time, the Lord called to Samuel in the night. Initially he mistook the Lord’s voice for that of Eli, but the elderly man corrected the lad and urged him to listen to God’s instruction (1 Sam. 3:1-9). The message young Samuel received from the Lord was a difficult one. Eli would be punished for not restraining his sons from evil. Samuel felt, as many of us would, hesitant and fearful to share the hard message (1 Sam. 3:10-15). However, with Eli’s encouragement, Samuel faithfully proclaimed the word of the Lord as a prophet must (1 Sam. 3:16-18). Christians today need to understand the message that God has revealed to us (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 1:1-2). Having heard this message, we have a responsibility to speak the truth, even when hard and unpleasant (Gal. 4:16; 2 Thess. 1:8). As Samuel was instructed not to hide anything of all that God had revealed, we too must declare the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).
Second, Samuel shows us the importance of patience and prayer. In his old age, he made his sons judges over Israel, but the people refused to follow them. The elders of Israel told Samuel to give them a king instead, to lead them like all the nations (1 Sam. 8:1-5). Rather than responding to this upsetting news immediately, Samuel wisely chose to pause for prayer. Although Samuel felt that he was being rejected, Israel’s desire for a king was a rejection of the Lord (1 Sam. 8:6-9). Samuel tried in vain to dissuade them from their decision and God granted their request (1 Sam. 8:10-22). Many times, we will act out when we are displeased or receive difficult news. It is dangerous to speak without thinking or to allow ourselves to be sucked into needless arguments (Matt. 12:36). Rather than act rashly, we should choose to hold back and cast our cares upon God (Pro. 29:11; 1 Pet. 5:7). Samuel’s powerful example of prayer demonstrated great trust in God and allowed him to walk properly in trying circumstances. We would do well to follow this pattern (Phil. 4:6-7; 1 Thess. 5:16-18).
Third, Samuel shows us the importance of priority and submission. Towards the end of his life, Samuel faced another great challenge. King Saul, who God had instructed him to anoint over Israel, had gradually been turning further and further from righteousness. After receiving the Lord’s instruction to utterly destroy the Amalekites, Saul decided to spare their king and take the best of their livestock alive (1 Sam. 15:1-9). God sent Samuel to rebuke Saul for his disobedience. For rejecting the word of the Lord, the Lord rejected Saul as king over His people (1 Sam. 15:10-23). The prophet declared, “to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams” (1 Sam. 15:22). All followers of God need to appreciate the beauty of true submission. The outward form of religion is nothing if the heart is not right. Jesus often addressed this same point in His public ministry (Matt. 9:13; 12:7). As faithful Christians, we must never allow our ideas to supplant divine instruction. We are to do all by the authority of the Lord (Col. 3:17).
Samuel was a good man who saw dark days and tumultuous times in the history of Israel. Despite the hardships, he remained true to the Lord as a faithful servant. Like this great prophet, you and I must share the message of truth, no matter the response we think may come as a result. We must patiently draw close to God in prayer, fortifying ourselves against the wickedness of the world around. Through it all we must be prepared to fully submit to the will of the Almighty, never becoming presumptuous or prideful in our religion. May we continue to develop our faith by learning from men like Samuel.