“Samuel Faded Quietly”

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 25

“Now Samuel died. And all Israel assembled and mourned for him, and they buried him in his house at Ramah.” (1 Samuel 25.1)

Samuel led as a prophet and judge for many years. As Israel transitioned into a period of kings, Samuel anointed both Saul and David. He served as a messenger, counselor, and defender to them during these times. As these men rose to power, Samuel’s role slowly diminished. However, even as his role changed, he continued to uphold God’s will with zeal and conviction until the day he died. 

For a man of such import, Samuel faded quietly into the bible story. But this brief epitaph reminds us his life was meaningful as it impacted the people of God. Here are 3 lessons we learn from Samuel’s life. 

1. One person can make a difference. In a time when “everyone did what was right in their own eyes”(Judges 17.6; 21.15) Samuel upheld God’s ways. Sometimes the people listened and other times they completely rejected him. But his presence in Israel changed the course of their history. This theme is constant is scripture and reminds us that our choices matter in this world. With the help of God, our small choices of faithfulness will impact those around us.
2. You have purpose in your generation. This language is borrowed from Acts 13.36 referring to David, but it has application to all people of faith. Because Samuel lived during a transitional time in Israel, it must have felt at times like he was dragging the people along. I’m sure there were times he didn’t enjoy his role, but it was necessary. In the same way God designed each of us to play a role in our generation. Sometimes that purpose is not glamourous. Sometimes it’s hard. Sometimes it only affects a small amount of people. Sometimes it is transitional to position future generation for better things. Whatever the case, you exist on purpose and your role is important in the world.
3. A lesser role doesn't lessen your impact. Although still respected, Samuel’s role looked very different towards the end of his life. He wasn’t as sought out or listened to. As we age our abilities and opportunities change. That doesn’t make you less useful or irrelevant. It doesn’t discount the things you have done in your life. It just means you have entered a different season. At the same time, it doesn’t mean your work is done. Samuel continued to counsel and support God’s people in significant ways until the day he died, and we all should do the same.

Samuel faded quietly into the bible story, but his legacy is far from irrelevant. He impacted those around him for the good as he pointed them to God. Most importantly God saw him as a man of faith and he received his reward (Hebrews 11.32, 39-40). May we live in such a way that the same could be said of us.

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