1 Samuel 7
Samuel has gained power and influence over Israel. This was obviously a God thing. He had raised Samuel from Hannah’s womb and had already planned all of these days. Israel was finally repenting and worshiping the LORD. Samuel was now the leader and the judge of the Israelites. Finally, the Israelites were returning to the LORD. When Samuel told them to remove their false idols, they did so without hesitation. When Samuel instructed them to assemble at Mizpah, they did so without hesitation. Do people follow our leaders of today without hesitation? As I lead a small group, would the individuals in my group follow my instruction? Clearly, Samuel was a prophet delivered from God. However, leaders are “called” by God to do a great work. If these leaders are inspiring people to achieve their potential and to listen to what God is instructing them to do, how create would our impact be to the community (and the world) around us? I need to make sure that I am listening to the LORD, following His leadership and being a leader for others so that they can have an impact on the world for the glory of God.
It is impressive to me that 1 Samuel 7:13b calls out: “Throughout Samuel’s lifetime, the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines.” Will I have a similar impact in my life? Will my dedication to the LORD be such that He will protect me, my family, my church, etc. in a similar fashion? It’s not about me in this regard but it is about my dedication to the LORD. Samuel was fired up for God. He wanted everyone to follow the laws given to them by the LORD. Am I that fired up? Am I willing to get that fired up? What are the priorities in my life?