Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Samuel 3:19-21 (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. 21 The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh and gave messages to Samuel there at the Tabernacle.

Samuel grew up at the Tabernacle serving with the elder Eli. Through the faith of Samuel and his family, God chose to speak to the people through Samuel. He was the living definition of a prophet.

The people were living all across the land. They didn’t have central communication, post offices, newspapers, or cable TV. Yet, all the people knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet. Word spread. Everything Samuel said proved to be reliable.

There is much that can be written about Samuel, his life, and the things he did. The word “reliable” strikes me as key. Samuel would say something; that would happen. There was no doubt. Integrity. One word. One thing. There were never a difference and never a doubt.

It isn’t easy to emulate Samuel. There are always circumstances and little things that get in the way to twist what people say. No, it isn’t easy. Still, Samuel provides the example to seek. Try to be like Samuel. What is said is done. That comes from God. That is a mark of a follower of God.