Raising Samuel
In my daily bible reading today, I read in I Samuel 2. The story of Samuel”s life is one to be admired; born by a miracle worked in the life of his praying mother; raised up to lead God’s people in very dark times, one who would anoint kings, and even rebuke them in times of spiritual delusion.
As I was reading in Chapter 2, there was something that leapt off the page. Consider the difference of feeling between verses 25 and 26. In verse 25, Eli, the high priest, is speaking to his sons, Hophni and Phineas, who were wicked priests, utilizing their position for personal gain. Eli said, “‘If one person sins against another, God may mediate for the offender; but if anyone sins against the LORD, who will intercede for them?’ His sons, however, did not listen to their father’s rebuke, for it was the LORD’s will to put them to death. 26 And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with people.”
When I consider what this means to me, how this may apply to us, we must realize that our responsibility is to remain faithful to God and humble before Him. If we fall into the mindset that God needs us or that we are indispensable, then we run the risk of handling the calling on our lives without the care and honor that it is due. We may even entertain wrong or sinful practices because we feel that maybe the “rules” don’t apply directly to us.
Beware.
God wants to use you. God wants to bless you. God wants to prosper you. He expects sincerity, humility and attention to His will. We are to engage in building His Kingdom, not ours. If you aren’t that person, He is “Raising Samuel.”
