Samuel's Faith

When Faith Abounds 

 

Samuel is mentioned among the faith giants in Hebrews 11. His life was one of tremendous God-encounters that began in his youth.

Hannah was Samuel's mother. She promised God that if He gave her a child she would return him to God for His service. Once he was weaned she kept her vow and took Samuel to the temple in Shiloh to serve under Eli, the priest.

Every year she returned for their annual trip to worship God. Each time she brought a new robe for her growing son.

Meanwhile, Eli's two sons were very wicked and abused their position in the temple. They were scoundrels; and had no regard for the Lord. I Samuel 2:12

Eli did not discipline his sons and God stepped in. He sent a prophet who told Eli that God had had enough of their wickedness. Judgement was coming. They didn't care and continued their ungodly behavior.

"Meanwhile the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people." 2:26

Because of their wickedness and refusal to heed God's words, He was silent.

"The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions." 3:1

One night, as Samuel lay in the house of the Lord where the ark of God was, the Lord called "Samuel." He thought Eli was calling for him so he ran to him and said, "Here I am; you called me."

He said, "No I didn't. Go back to bed." It happened a second time and once again he was told to go back to bed.

"Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord; the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him." 3:8

The Lord spoke his name a third time. He got up and went to Eli who realized that the Lord was calling the boy.

He told him to go back to bed and if He calls you say, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." 3:9

Then the Lord came and stood there, calling Samuel's name and he said, "Speak, for Your servant is listening."

God then told him all that He was going to do to Eli and his sons for their blasphemous behaviors and his refusal to restrain them.

Heavy word for Samuel's first encounter hearing God. 😔

The next morning he was afraid to tell Eli the vision but Eli told him he must and don't hold back. So he did and Eli said, "He is the Lord; let Him do what is good in His eyes." 3:17

"The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up. None of his words fell to the ground." 3:19

All the people recognized that Samuel was a prophet. God continued to reveal Himself to Samuel.

There is much to glean from this event in Samuel's young life.

He was a hear and obey young man to Eli which then transferred to the Lord.

Hear and obey is throughout the Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.

God entrusted Abraham as the father of all the nations of the earth to be blessed through him..."For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what He has promised him." Genesis 18:19 Hear and Obey.

"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:9 Hear and Obey.

"This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep His commands and remain faithful to Jesus." Revelation 14:12 Hear and Obey.

Samuel's name means God heard. In like manner he was attuned to hearing the Lord's call. He responded. The blessings of God kept him all of his days.

How about you?

Will you be one who hears and obeys?

God's favor and blessings follow those who do.

"Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening."

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