2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Calendar
THE CALL OF SAMUEL CONFIRMED
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8
1 Samuel 3
Deuteronomy 6:6-9
“And thou shalt teach them
diligently unto thy children.”
THE CALL OF SAMUEL CONFIRMED
The Lord confirmed the good intention of Samuel’s mother in offering him. He called Samuel with His voice. Samuel responded, and the Lord gave him the first message. He was subsequently established as a prophet in Israel. He had matured and was ready for God’s service. The youthful prophet was thus confirmed.
Samuel ministered before Eli the priest. The text did not specify the kind of duties that he attended to as a child. He must have been involved in manual duties like arranging the furniture, sweeping the house, lighting the lamps, and even directing visitors where to find the needed services. There had to also have been some form of education for him to learn to read and write and to learn the Scriptures. He knew what he was expected to do. The parents had to have followed the Lord’s command in Deuteronomy 6 on how to teach their children. All these helped Samuel to grow and to mature in attending to the spiritual duties. It was asserted that the word of the Lord was precious, and there was no open vision (1 Sam 3:1). The call of Samuel gave him multiple tasks. He was mature enough to understand God’s message.
Eli was old, and thus he did not have full control of the affairs in the tabernacle at Shiloh. His sons took advantage and misused the privileges of the priests. But God was preparing Samuel for meaningful service. When the Lord exercises His sovereign will, all activities of men and their wishes come to nothing. As the narrative unfolded, the direction of events pointed at Samuel as the worthy successor of Eli in the Lord’s house. God’s sovereign will controlled the events that led to a change in leadership in Shiloh. Samuel was the one God had chosen even though he was young, but God was in total control.
THOUGHT: Teaching God’s Word to children is heavenly treasure.
PRAYER: Father, may Thy servants learn from the example of Samuel.