Samuel, Family matters
I. Features of his success.
A. Dedicated by his family to serve the Lord.
1. Asked by Hannah. 1 Samuel 1:11, 24-28; 2:21
2. Authorized by Elkanah. 1 Samuel 1:23; Refer to Numbers 30:6-8
B. Directed by Eli.
1. To listen to the Lord. 1 Samuel 3:1-10
2. To tell the truth. 1 Samuel 3:15-18
C. Devoted to the Lord. 1 Samuel 3:10 He served Him –
1. Courageously. When others would not.
a. The priests. Eli, Hophni, Phineas
b. The people. 1 Samuel 12:14-17
c. The King (Saul) 1 Samuel 13:12-14; 15:12-14; 22,23; 32,33
2. Constantly. 1 Samuel 12:2-5
3. Continuously. From a child until his death. 1 Samuel 7:15
4. Compassionately.
a. For Israel 1 Samuel 12:23-25
b. For Saul 1 Samuel 15:11,35; 16:1
II. Fascination of the people. 1 Samuel 2:26
A. Favour. 1 Samuel 7:3-12
B. Fear 1 Samuel 12:18
III. Failure.
When we look at the Life of Samuel, we would say that he led an exemplary life. What could be said against this man? And it is true that no accusation is made against him, but there is a problem that is recorded and I believe it is for our learning. Refer to 1 Samuel 8:1-5
Samuel was getting older and tiring of the travel necessitated by his ministry. By placing his sons in these positions, he set in motion a series of events that proved a disaster for the nation. His decision was the catylyst for the rejection of the leadership of the judges and the demand from the people for a king. Their desire was the same as that of the multitudes who sought to make Jesus their king – not for righteousness, but for power and provisions. Jesus rejected the people’s claim on Him, but at this time in Israel’s history, God gave them their desire.
Let’s take note of the situation –
A. God had informed Israel that they would have a king.
Refer to Genesis 49:8-12 and Deuteronomy 17:14-20
B. God was angry when Israel demanded a king. 1 Samuel 8:4-7; 19,20
C. Why? What was the problem?
1. The king of God’s choosing for His people was not born yet!
a. Saul was at least 30 years old at the beginning of his reign.
1). Jonathan was old enough to lead an army.
2). Ishbosheth was 40 years old when Saul died. 2 Samuel 2:10
b. Saul reigned for 40 years. Acts 13:1
c. David was 30 years old when Saul died. 2 Samuel 5:4
2. The man after God’s own heart was not born until 10 years after Saul began to reign.
3. Samuel was not patient, waiting on the Lord to direct in the next judge or leader in Israel.
D. Samuel’s actions created a situation among the people that could have been avoided.
1. He should have waited upon the Lord.
2. He should have known the spiritual and moral character of his sons.
We have an opportunity to learn from Samuel –
-Do not let life, including ministry, rob us from familiarity of our family. Our life and ministry begins with family and works out from there.
-Do not let exhaustion rob us of patience. Be sure that decisions are based on the leadership of the Lord and not convenience.
-Do not use people simply because there is a need and they are available.
-When your strength is exhausted and your mind frustrated, and you believe you cannot endure, get alone with the Lord, seek him in prayer, Bible study, and meditation.
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Wait on the Lord!