Samuel, The Bold Prophet
We analyzed the service of the prophet Samuel. The final judge of Israel. The overseer of a transition in governance from Theocracy to Monarchy. The one who anointed the first two kings of Israel and held them accountable to God. I used words that start with "R" to keep the discussion organized.
Rare
1 Samuel 3:1 tells us that when Samuel was young, the word of God was rare. Consider that the Children of Israel may have only had a few books of the Pentateuch at that time. Further, it was certain that the sacred scriptures would not have been accessible for everyone. This environment stands in stark contrast to what we see today. The Bible is complete and has been for centuries. Further, Bibles can be purchased freely or viewed online. The word of God is no longer rare, it is everywhere.Verse 10 shows the character of God. Even though Samuel did not recognize or heed God's voice at first, God continues to call Samuel. Every man/woman is being sought by God. He wants to reveal himself to every person. But he will not reveal himself until you listen. He does not impose himself.
In verse 15, Samuel learns a difficult lesson that will become a theme in his ministry; he has to uphold God's word even when distasteful. The message he has to deliver to Eli is not a pleasant one, but he does not mince words. Samuel delivers God message, even when he had every right to be afraid of the potential ramifications of that message. There are things in the word of God that we have to uphold even though they may be distasteful to our culture. Remember that the prophet's message is never easy when revealing the darkness of men's hearts. However, remember to uphold God's word alone. We need not add to God's word with our own conventions that may make the message even more distasteful or ignorant. For an example, read this linked post.
Routine
Samuel's message, according to 1 Samuel 7:3, is that the Israelites must [a] Turn to God and [b] Abandon their idols. The word "and" is a selective Boolean Operator (as opposed to an inclusive one). In other words, the only acceptable result is an entity that includes both elements. One cannot only turn to God and be acceptable. One cannot only abandon their idols and be acceptable. Both elements must be combined. It is not an either-or situation, it is a both-and demand.Given this tall task, it is important that Samuel acknowledge the difficulty (impossibility) of perfect obedience to this command. He does so by invoking the power of God in verses 5-6 and 8-9 of the chapter. Samuel invokes God's power by:
- Prayer—to make requests known to God.
- Fasting—to declare complete dependence on God's sufficiency.
- Sacrifice—to acknowledge shortcomings and worship God for his supremacy.
- Their happiness is more satisfying
- Their needs are more apparent
- Their rejection stings sharper
Rejection
Verses 20-25 of chapter 12 records Samuel's final address before Saul takes over as the ruler of Israel. in verse 20, he affirms that even though the people turned away from God's plan, all hope is not lost. Remember that individuals can follow The Lord despite past decisions. Nobody has ever sinned too much for God's grace. In verse 22 Samuel goes on to state that God will see his people through to His end. We might fail, He will not. Even when it seems trite, it is true. It is a promise that we can only cling to.It is also important to realize that The Prophet, though rejected as ruler, does not become dejected. He remains faithful to his calling even when no one seems to listen or respond to God's word. His obligation is to God and not to the people. Sometimes that becomes inverted—it shouldn't.
Role
Samuel took God's word seriously and guarded his role appropriately. Saul, the new king, did not. In chapter 13, Saul takes over Samuel's role as spiritual leader and conducts the sacrifice.- Saul was supposed to lead in battle.
- Saul was also supposed to lead in humility and obedience to God's will.
Further, Samuel separates himself from Saul. He does not offer moral support to an immoral man. At some point, we also must separate from people to show a message. That is not to say that we never associate with them. But at times, it may be effective to take a leave of absence from the company of people.
Rebuke
Chapter 15 recounts Saul's final act before God rejects him as king. Samuel must deliver a sound rebuke to him for his disobedience. It is interesting to note that Saul convinced himself that he was actually following God's will when he clearly was not. He thought he was in the right, but Samuel knew he was.Verse 21 shows how Saul tended to blame the people for his disobedience. Samuel never let the people influence his obedience to God, even when he had the right to. Ministry requires a servant's heart and compassion for the people of God, even when they are difficult to reason with.
Verses 24-31 reveals that Samuel was set to illustrate again the rift between God and Saul's heart by not being seen with him. However, when Saul appeals for the opportunity to worship, Samuel relents. It is interesting that even with his disobedience, Samuel does not refuse to grant the opportunity to present worship before The Lord. Condemnation is not within the scope of The Prophet. They are not to close a person off from potentially redemptive experiences, like worship.
In the end (34-35) Samuel and Saul go their separate ways and never meet again. Notice the grief that Samuel experiences as a result. When we serve others, a genuine bond of concern should be developed. The destruction of which could be devastating. The Prophet should be so invested in his audience that he will be broken if/when rejected. Even if the one that is really being rejected is God.