Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
A Prophet in the Making
Today’s Verse:
And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. ~1 Samuel 3:19
Great things happen early in childhood. Paul told Timothy, “From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” A child prodigy is a child who is recognized as being exceptionally talented because of talent or IQ. Samuel was exceptional because, as a child, he had a great heart for God. He was greater than a prodigy because he was a prophet in the making.
We see a servant.
“And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.” Samuel served the Lord as soon as his mother brought him to the house of God. He had been dedicated at conception to the service of the Lord. In spite of a scarcity of prophetical messages from God to Israel and Eli the high priest’s shortcomings, Samuel served the Lord. In effect, all of us must have a servant’s heart for the Lord regardless of the circumstances in our life. It is a privilege to serve the Lord, and, as much as we can, we should serve Him.
We see a sensitivity.
Samuel had a tender and sensitive heart towards the voice of the Lord. Three times, God called out to him in one night as he lay in bed sleeping. Each time, without delay, he responded. First, he was able to discern he Lord’s voice. Second, he responded by saying, “Here am I.” He was ready and available. Third, he ran to Eli and said, “Here am I.” Eli was his spiritual authority, and Samuel knew that it was important that he went to him to know God’s intent and purpose for his life. In his sensitivity, Samuel had more discernment than Eli about God’s voice speaking to him.
We see a stewardship.
“And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.” Samuel was a great steward of God’s Word. First, he was obedient to God’s Word. Second, he let God’s Word dwell in him richly. Third, he lived out God’s Word in sincerity. As a result, his spiritual growth accelerated and the presence of the Lord was upon him. I think we do a disservice to our children and young people by not challenging them to memorize and live out God’s Word. They must be taught to be good stewards of the Word of God and not let it be wasted or neglected. He stood out from the young men of his day for his appreciation and love for God’s Word.
We see a substantiation.
“And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.” God’s people knew that Samuel was God’s prophet for their generation. First Samuel 3 starts by saying that the Word of the Lord was scarce in those days. That changed as Samuel proved that he had God’s approval in his life. From the high north to the deep south, all of Israel came to realize that this young man was God’s prophet. As a result, the Lord appeared again in Shiloh. God substantiated His approval upon Samuel.
What you do with God’s Word determines if He can trust you with it. God is looking for men and women who will let none of God’s Word fall to the ground—men and women who can be trusted with an extensive influence and ministry to people who need His Word.
Have a Word-filled God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Luke 17-18
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