The NIV 365 Day Devotional

Samuel: The Faithful Servant

Samuel was the miracle son of Hannah, who had been barren and prayed to God for a son (1Sa 1:20). Samuel was a literal answer to prayer. Hannah had told God she would give this child to him once he was old enough to serve, so Samuel grew up in the temple under the care of Eli the priest. God called to Samuel one night in the temple to announce his judgment upon Eli’s family for their wickedness (1Sa 3:11–18).

When he grew up, Samuel became a prophetic leader in Israel. However, his sons were evil and not fit to lead after him, so the people asked Samuel for a king (1Sa 8:1–5). Samuel warned them against this decision, but the people insisted. God instructed Samuel to give the people a king, and Samuel anointed Saul (1Sa 10:1). After Saul failed to follow God’s directives, God sent Samuel to anoint David. Samuel was first impressed by the look of David’s older brother Eliab, but God told Samuel that while people look only at the outside, God looks at the heart (1Sa 16:7). David was the youngest of his brothers and relegated to the lowly task of shepherding, yet he was the one God had Samuel anoint as king.

After Samuel’s death, King Saul summoned Samuel’s spirit through a medium at Endor. Saul asked Samuel for help since God had refused to answer the king. Samuel, however, replied that the very next day Saul and his sons would join him in the realm of the dead (1Sa 28:19). The next day, Saul and three of his sons died on the battlefield (1Sa 31:6).

APPLICATION It is hard to speak bold messages of truth or judgment to those in power, but that’s exactly what Samuel had to do, both with Eli and Saul. Samuel reminds us not to fear human authorities, but to fear only God. God will honor his faithful servants. Even when it is difficult, we must be messengers of God’s truth.

Taken from the NIV Application Bible.