MEMORY VERSE: “ And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.” 1 Samuel 3:19.
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 7:7-10.
INTRODUCTION
Samuel, the thirteenth judge of Israel was born of Levitical parents 1 Chronicles 6:16, 25-28; 1 Samuel 1:1. The date of his birth was around 1070 BC. His mother was Hannah, a noble and good woman, married to Elkanah. The meaning of the Hebrew word translated Samuel is ‘God heard’ 1 Samuel 1:20. Being a Prophet and a Seer, he was the last and greatest of the Judges of Israel, who were chosen by God to rule over the people, and to save them in time of war and oppression.
OUTLINE
- HIS CHARACTER AND ACHIEVEMENTS
- LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE
- HIS CHARACTER AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Samuel was a good and obedient person even from childhood 1 Samuel 3:9-10. He was committed to serving God under the tutelage of Eli the Priest 1 Samuel 3:1a. He was available to hear from God at a time when the word and visions from the LORD became rare 1 Samuel 3:1-4. He was bold to declare God’s counsel to the house of Israel when they had abandoned God 1 Samuel 7:3. He preferred the theocratic system to the monarchical order demanded by the Israelites, and he openly displayed his displeasure to the people 1 Samuel 8:4- 6. He was known as an intercessor who hears from God 1 Samuel 7:8-9; Psalm 99:6-7. He was a man Well known for his integrity 1 Samuel 12:1-4.
In 1050 BC, the Lord instructed Samuel to anoint Saul as king over Israel 1 Samuel 9:15-17; 10:1. He defeated the Philistines and ended their forty-year oppression of Israel in 1030 BC 1 Samuel 7:13. Through this victory, the Israelites recovered their captured cities, and they had peace all the days of Samuel 1 Samuel 7:14. God gave him the opportunity to anoint David also as king in place of Saul 1 Samuel 15:28;16:1,13. The Lord did not let his words fail 1 Samuel 3:19. He had a clean record before the Israelites 1 Samuel 12:3. Prophet Samuel died in Ramah in 1011 BC and the whole nation mourned the loss of their beloved leader 1 Samuel 28:3.
2. LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE
1. The gift of Samuel to Hannah is a testimony to the fact that God knows the hearts of everyone, and His promises never fail 1 Samuel 1:17-20.
2. Samuel was a passionate, consistent, and faithful lover of God and His righteousness 1 Samuel 3:20; 8:4-6.
3. God will always talk to His loved ones and reveal His secrets to them 1 Samuel 3:11.
4. Faithfulness to God commands authority and great respect from people 1 Samuel 15:26-28; 16:4.
5. We must choose to obey and honour God totally above men 1 Samuel 15:24, 32-33.
6. God’s spirit helps His beloved and supports them 1 Samuel 7:10
7. Everyone must prepare for the day of accountability and reckoning because it is certain 1 Samuel 8:1-5; 12:3.
8. He was referenced in Acts 3:24 and 13:20 by the Apostles as a Seer and a Prophet and numbered in the hall of fame in Hebrews 11:32
CONCLUSION
God can make use of you like Samuel if you are willing and ready to pay the price.
FURTHER READINGS:
SUN: :1 Samuel 3:20.
MON: 1 Samuel 3:1.
TUE: Proverbs 11:3.
WED: Romans 14:12.
THUR: 7 John 5:3.
FRI: Luke 10:18-20.
SAT: Daniel 2:28.