Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Samuel 3:19-20 (New Living Translation)

19 As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable. 20 And all Israel, from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord.

All Israel knew that Samuel was a prophet, i.e., God spoke to the people through Samuel. How did the people of Israel know this?

Everything Samuel said proved to be reliable.

Well, that’s pretty simple. I mean, surely a prophet would have credit for something spectacular or something, right? Just being reliable, well, anyone can be reliable, right?

Wrong. Everything Samuel said proved to be reliable. Not just this or that, not just the important things, not just the simple things, everything. But what about the temperature tomorrow morning. Samuel probably didn’t say much about that. What about this, that, and the other thing? Samuel probably didn’t say much about those things either.

My guess is that Samuel chose his words carefully. My guess is that Samuel looked to God for guidance before he opened his mouth. My guess is that I could follow Samuel’s example much more. Please God, help my in my unbelief.