Lives Prepared for Transition

Just as Oak Hill is going through a significant leadership transition, we are about to read how God transitioned the Israelite leadership from judges to kings. I think it's wonderful timing - and God's perfect timing - that He has woven our lives together today with the Israelites' lives 3000 years ago. Let's find out what what we can learn from the God's Word and about the Israelites as they journeyed through their leadership transition...

"The First Book of Samuel describes the transition of leadership in Israel from judges to kings.... Historically, First Samuel provides the crucial link from the judges to the monarchy. It is a fast-moving narrative that gives a spiritual perspective on three very different personalities whose lives are interwoven: Samuel, the last judge and first prophet; Saul, the first king of Israel; and David, the king-elect, anointed but not yet recognized as Saul's successor."

~ Talk Thru the Bible

We read of Hannah in Chapter 1 and learn of her deep longing for a child. We see her sorrow and "bitterness of soul", deep hurt from those "provoking her", attempted consolation from her husband, weeping, earnest prayer, and sacrifice. Hannah prayed so fervently that the priest (Eli) thought she was drunk. That was some serious prayer! She prayed to God with "great anguish and grief" and poured her heart out to Him. She was honest about her troubled heart, asked for something very specific, and then vowed to God that if He granted her request, that she would give it right back to Him. God honored Hannah's submission, obedience, and prayerful request and gave Hannah a son, whom she named Samuel. Hannah was faithful to her promise, committed Samuel to God, and then prayed some more to rejoice in the Lord. Hannah was a praying woman, faithful to God, and God used her in a special way during this transitional period.

"... [Samuel] ministered before the LORD under Eli the priest." In Chapter 2, we read of Eli again and learn that God used Eli to raise Samuel and teach him about the Lord and ministry. Eli's biological sons were wicked and dishonored God. What a contrast of "sons" in Eli's life! What a blessing Samuel must have been to Eli in the midst of his own family turmoil and warnings from God! Eli's life appears to be one of contradiction. His sons were evil, he failed to restrain them, and his ministry was weak (v. 3:1), but God used him to raise Samuel to prepare him for life and ministry.

In chapter 3, we read of God's calling of Samuel and His first prophetic message for Samuel. God called Samuel four times until Samuel realized who was speaking. Eli played an important role in this part of the story as Samuel's mentor. After the third call to Samuel, Eli realized that God was calling and instructed Samuel how to respond... "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." Samuel had to learn to hear God's voice and how to respond. What an important skill to learn! God was preparing Samuel and we know that "the Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and let none of his words fall to the ground" (v. 3:19). God delivered some strong words that night to Samuel regarding his mentor, Eli. Upon receipt of his first prophetic message, Samuel was faithful to listen to God and was also faithful to convey God's message and truth to Eli.

There are so many nuggets in these three chapters! God used each person in a specific way during this transitional period of the Israelites' lives. We each have a role to play during the transition at Oak Hill. I pray that we learn from Hannah, Eli, and Samuel that God honors the faithfulness of His people. He can use us when we are faithful and in a right relationship with Him. Lord, help me to be faithful in my personal life so that You can use me to glorify You and minister to others!