Day 63 – 1 Samuel: Eli & Samuel

“Samuel stayed in bed until morning, then got up and opened the doors of the Tabernacle as usual. He was afraid to tell Eli what the Lord had said to him. But Eli called out to him, “Samuel, my son.” “Here I am.” Samuel replied,” 1 Samuel 3:15-16 NLT

Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1 to 1 Samuel 7:17

Eli could never have imagined how the events of the crying woman he found on the steps of the temple would have impacted his life. God heard Hannah’s prayer and answered it with the birth of Samuel. He grew up in the temple under the guidance and teaching of Eli and the relationship between them sketches a beautiful story of mentorship and a father-son relationship.

We see a vivid contrast between young Samuel and Eli’s sons. They were selfish, but Samuel was helpful. Eli’s sons defrauded people, but Samuel grew in wisdom and gave the people messages from God. As an adult, Samuel became a prophet, priest, and judge over Israel. During his period the infamous war with the Philistines started. A person’s actions reflect character. This was true of Samuel and Eli’s sons – it is true of us too. Strive, like Samuel, to keep your heart pure before God.

Prayer: Father, we never know the outcome of our prayers, but we know that You hear them. We never know what our actions will deliver in the future, but You guide them to be fruit-bearing. As we learn from Hannah’s prayer to the war with Philistine, everything is pre-ordained to bring about Your will for Your nation and also in our lives. Our obedience is the marker in our journey showing us the way to Your heart. Amen.