CENTRAL THOUGHT
Those who rebel against God’s authority and rule are directly pledging loyalty to Satan.
INTRODUCTION:
The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died in the battle against the Philistines. Eli also died when the bad news of the death of his sons and the seizure of the ark by the Philistines reached him. The worship and pilgrimage to Shiloh was truncated and Israel became subservient to the Philistines. It must have been a big blow to Samuel considering how close he was to his family. This was the state when Samuel became judge in Israel.
After many years of reflection, Samuel took his first major steps, which was to initiate national repentance and prayers. This action provoked the Philistines who now launched attack against Israel. The intercession of Samuel and his word of motivation gingered the people of Israel to the resounding defeat of the Philistines at Ebenezer.
Samuel had a complex administrative structure that saw him create offices in Bethel, Gilgah and Mizpeh, while his home was in Ramah.
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1) WHAT WERE THE HIGH POINTS OF SAMUEL’S RULE AS A JUDGE, PROPHET, AND PRIEST IN ISRAEL?
For Samuel, the transition to headship was sudden. It followed the tragic death of Eli and his sons. After twenty years, the peoples heart yearned for God, and Samuel led them to repentance. While the people gathered at Mizpeh, the Philistines attacked and God thundered from heaven, and the Philistines were defeated.
He administered the land by going around in circuit with bases in Bethel, Gilgah and Mizpeh, while his permanent home was in Ramah. As he grew old, he appointed his sons to serve as judges. But they were materially minded, took bribes, and perverted justice.
The Elders of Israel came and demanded for a King so as to be like other nations. Samuel was displeased at this, but God told him to oblige them. Eventually he had the privilege of anointing the first and second Kings of Israel in the persons of Saul and David. Samuel was not a warrior, but he commanded great respect among the people.
QUESTION 2) WHAT WERE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES SAMUEL FACED, AND HOW DID HE TACKLE THEM?
There were several challenges Samuel faced as a Leader. The tragic events that led to the death of Eli and the seizure of the Ark by the Philistines were the first major challenge. Suddenly, he became the leader. He had no choice but to learn from the errors of Eli. Next, his administrative approach took much of his time, visiting three other cities in turns to examine matters for adjudication. Also, he had his family challenge in that his two sons did not walk in his footsteps and were cited later by those agitating for monarchy. Another challenge was the regular departure of the people from Jehovah to strange gods. Security threat from the Philistines from time to time also occurred. In many of these challenges he looked up to God and often interceded on behalf of the nation. Samuel was firm at dispensing justice and was well known as a true voice of God throughout his lifetime.
QUESTION 3) WHY DID THE ELDERS OF ISRAEL DEMAND FOR A KING? 1 SAM.8:1-5
The ministry of Samuel was an integrated one that put the judge, the prophet, and the priest into one. He was not a military leader, but in times of danger he was able to mobilize the people under God.
The elders of Israel cited three reasons why they asked for a king. First, age was not on Samuel’s side and they knew that one day he would transit. Furthermore, they cited the corrupt ways of his two sons, Joel and Abiah, and felt they were unworthy successors to their father. Finally, they want to be like nations around them, with a king who would be a military leader with a standing army to defend them. It seemed that the people at this time had lost real touch with their background as a nation under God with rich history of divine exploits.
QUESTION 4) HOW DID GOD REACT TO THE DEMAND FOR A KING BY THE ELDERS?
1 SAM.8:6-9
For both personal and divine reasons, Samuel was highly displeased with the demand. However, he brought the matter before God to seek His direction. God saw it as a rejection of His authority over them and a rebellion against His rule. But He directed Samuel to accede to their request, and to warn them to be prepared for the bondage under the new King. (1 Sam.8:11-18).
God does not impose himself on anyone. Rather, He continues to persuade His people to see reason for sustained fellowship with Him, and the blessings in it. Those who rebel against God’s authority are directly pledging loyalty to Satan.
QUESTION 5) WHAT ARE LESSONS CAN WE DRAW FROM THE LIFESTYLES OF SAMUEL’S SONS?
Samuel was an exceptional leader of high repute. But it was not the same for his sons, Joel and Abiah, whom he appointed judges. They were friends of mammon. They took bribes to pervert justice in favor of highest bidders. Assignment of leadership roles in divine matters must not be based on family background or connections, but on divine qualities and approval. Parental salvation, unction and integrity are not necessarily inherited by children. They are developed through personal encounter with God and through adequate preparation. It was not a bad idea to delegate authority, but such must be done dispassionately, and delegates must be held accountable on regular basis.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
Leadership in the house of God must come by divine mandate. The body of Christ must be careful in things we copy and put in practice in the church. We should seek God’s approval before such is contemplated. There are also divine instituted ways for registering grievances in the body of Christ. Such channels must neither be suppressed by leadership nor abused by members.
Every Christian parent must devote quality time to minister to members of his family. We should not presume that our children are always with us, they can be tempted to learn the ways of the world. We should pray and work hard to ensure that we are worthy and better successors of those before us in every area of life, including ministry.
MEMORY VERSE:
1 SAM 7:13A
“So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coasts of Israel”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE:
MONDAY: IN THE DAY OF MY TROUBLE.
Psalm 86:7.
TUESDAY: THE ROD OF THE WICKED SHALL NOT REST UPON THE LOT OF THE RIGHTEOUS.
Psalm 125:3.
WEDNESDAY: AND HIS SONS WALKED NOT IN HIS WAYS.
1 Sam.8:3.
THURSDAY: CHILDREN ARE GOD’S HERITAGE. Psalm 127:3.
FRIDAY: RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS A NATION. Prov.14:34.
SATURDAY: CALL UPON ME IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE. Psalm 50:15.