SUBJECT THE COURAGE OF A REVEALER
READING I Samuel 3
INTRODUCTION
Prophet: A prophet is a person called by God to hear and know what God’s mind and will is and to communicate in words and in truth what is revealed. It required, on many occasions, outstanding audacity, nerve and courage because the things to be declared what was not always palatable and welcome to the recipients. Samuel was the first of the prophets to be divinely called by God to serve in this capacity after entrance into the land of Canaan. What a communicator he turned out to be in his day and generation! He demonstrated boldness in his ministry and sets a fine example to all who would be called by God to serve in this way.
Ministry: He exercised a ministry in very difficult times and at a period when there was the introduction of the monarchy. It was no easy task to fulfill and required an immense amount of courage. King and people had to face up the divine issues involved in instituting a government of this kind. But he was prepared to carry it through in faithfulness to God and the people. There was no shirking of his moral and spiritual duty in such a transition.
1/. THIS WAS DEMONSTRATED WHILST YOUNG – 1 Samuel 3:13
He was called at a very early age and in that instance when God first spoke to him he seems to have been placed in a embarrassing situation because of what had been revealed. God made known to him the displeasure He had towards Eli’s household and that they would pay a severe price for their conduct. Eli knew that Jehovah had spoken to this sensitive boy and he wanted to know what had been spoken. It was sad that the priest had been by-passed and that the Lord had to use this channel to speak. The young person right from the start and showed fidelity God-ward, he had not only said: “speak Lord . . .;” he was ready to speak for the Lord.
2/. THIS WAS MANIFESTED TO THE NATION IN CHALLENGE – 1 Samuel 7
Israel needed to be freed torn the terror and tyranny of the Philistines and so this man and messenger of God was prepared to face them up to their spiritual duty and obligation. In dealing with the matter of their pursuit of false gods, he let them see what was the cause or their problems and so the issue was sorted out. He made it absolutely clear to them that they must get rid of this false and evil system of worship and make a true response to the Lord –vv3, 4. Before they could go any further and expect victory then this must be immediately attended to-v6. This prophet was accepted and so was his prayer of Israel’s behalf and so a major conquest was known and the Lord evidenced His power – v10. So the message was voiced – “Hitherto has the Lord helped us” –v12.
3/.THIS WAS EXPRESSED IN FACING SAUL THROUGHOUT WITH HIS PERSONAL AND SPIRITUAL RESPONSIRILITY – 1 Samuel 9:27
Saul was made to see at the outset through Samuel that he must give credence and obedience to the Lord and His word. He must not fool around with he revealed will and ways of God. There is the sacred anointing and the prophetic word concerning the providential things that would occur in confirmations of his noble calling. Regrettably Saul did not hearken as he should have done and so paid and awful price in losing his right to rule God’s kingdom. When Saul fails to do what he should have done, Samuel courageously stands against Saul and reveals his folly and the divine judgment that was to follow -1 Samuel 15: 10, 11. Memorable and devastating words were spoken to Saul – vv17,22, 26-29.
4/. THIS WAS REVEALED IN THE ANOINTING OF DAVID – 1 Samuel 16
When he was called to anoint David there carne a a besetting fear -2. In spite of this, he rises and goes to carry out his prophetic duty and ministry. He has to show tremendous courage at the anointing because he has to put the oil on the youngest. The most unlikely candidate had been divinely appointed and it was his task to utterly fulfill the Lord’s directive. here may well have been some resentment by the other brothers, but Samuel is obedient to the Lord.
CONCLUSION
The total commitment and devotion of this man was consistent throughout. He could face up to the whole ration with courage because his lifestyle had been beyond reproach. The nation had to face the fact of the steadfast loyalty of this remarkable prophet – see 1 Samuel 11: 3-5 and the faithfulnss of God to His people – vv6-7.