Lesson's from Samuel's life

Do you like to follow a Bible reading plan, or do you read randomly? Personally, I like to read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. I have done so in various translations over the years.

This week, I found myself (again) in the first book of Samuel. Most of you are probably familiar with the story of young Samuel's life.

This time, while reading, I noticed the following verses in particular:

• Meanwhile, Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord (1 Samuel 2:21)
• Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had never had a message from the Lord before (1 Samuel 3:7)
• As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable (1 Samuel 3:19)

Presence of the Lord

We find here quite a few interesting details about Samuel's relationship with the Lord. In his case, he grew up in the presence of the Lord because he lived with Eli the priest, near the tabernacle (where God's presence dwelled at that time).

Voice of the Lord

However, just because he grew up that way didn't mean he personally knew the Lord, for he had never heard Him speak (up until that time), the Bible says. So, that tells me that growing up in the presence of the Lord is not the same as hearing His voice, personally. We get to know God when we hear His voice (or read His Word for that matter).

Prophet of the Lord

When Samuel grew up, He learned to discern and obey the voice of God. As a result, God's presence continued to be with Him, and Samuel's speech became a voice of truth. He became a prophet of the Lord. It is not enough to have a one-time encounter with God; we need to seek His presence and His voice all the time.

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But as surely as I live, and as surely as the earth is filled with the Lord’s glory, not one of these people will ever enter that land. They have all seen my glorious presence and the miraculous signs I performed both in Egypt and in the wilderness, but again and again they have tested me by refusing to listen to my voice.

[Numbers 14:21-22]

➤Listen to 'I love your presence' by Jesus Image.