This chapter focuses on Samuel’s early “judging” of Israel. Like in the book of Judges, Samuel leads Israel by declaring the ways of the Lord, and they (thankfully) obey Samuel’s (God’s) leadership.
“And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, ‘If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods… and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.’ So the people of Israel… served the Lord only. Then Samuel said, ‘Gather all Israel… and I will pray to the Lord for you.’ So they gathered… and fasted on that day and said there, ‘We have sinned against the Lord.’ … Now when the Philistines heard that the people of Israel had gathered… [they] went up against Israel… So Samuel took a nursing lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. And Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. …the Lord thundered with a mighty sound that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel.” (v3-10 abr)
Let’s contrast Israel’s behavior between chapters 4 and 7. In ch4 they didn’t follow a strong leader – not God, nor anyone who feared God. They used their own strength and wisdom and thought the Ark would grant them a victory over the Philistines – they were brutally defeated and lost the Ark. This time Israel listens to a God-honoring leader who calls them to repentance, they call upon the Lord to deliver them, and God defeats the Philistines without Israel lifting a finger – they didn’t even have to bring out the Ark.
“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Pro 15:22) Have you ever found yourself doing something out of your own wisdom, or following the wrong example, only to fail miserably, and then successfully attempt it second time once you have sought the proper counsel? I certainly have. I had a hard time learning how to tie my shoes. Despite a couple of people trying to teach me, it didn’t take. I finally succeeded in learning this skill from someone with a specific attribute – my left-handed grandfather successfully taught me, because I too am left-handed and struggled learning from right-handed people.
I realize that’s a pretty tame example, but it stands to reason that God sends specific people at specific times for specific reasons (like Moses, the judges, and Samuel for example). We need to listen to the right people (the God-honoring ones) for leadership / mentorship in our lives. If we obey God’s leading He will deliver us from our enemies (an enemy doesn’t have to be flesh and blood, it could be any sin or addiction as well). “Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” (Pro 28:26)
I encourage all of us to have at least one mentor, and mentor at least one other person. Note the word “and” – not just one or the other, but both. Every God-honoring mentor still has a mentor, even if their mentor is God Himself. No matter how mature we become in our walk with God, we will never know or experience everything in this life first-hand, so maintaining a relationship with another person who has different knowledge / experiences is important, even for a mature believer such as myself.
On the other side of that equation, I’m insecure and realize how difficult it can be to believe we are qualified as mentors. Though I still don’t consider myself qualified, I think that’s a good attitude to have. The moment we think “I got this”, is the moment we rely a little less on God to guide us in the mentorship calling. I highly recommend approaching mentorship with humility, acknowledging we are not fully qualified, and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we mentor.
I realize this is getting a little long so I’ll wrap up with this challenge – if you find yourself wanting to grow deeper in your relationship with God, commit to mentoring someone. I grow much quicker when I’m serving others, than I do when I’m simply on the receiving end of service. Take the leap, trust God for the wisdom, and leave the results in His hands.
Father God, our Sovereign and Wise King, great and mighty is Your name. Father we praise You for Your steadfast lovingkindness is abundant, and we have been richly blessed. Thank you for providing mentors in our lives, to lead us in Your ways by their teaching and example. Thank you as well for giving us opportunities to mentor those who don’t yet know You as well as we do. Spirit, please aid us in our mentoring relationships, that we may exhibit Your fruit in our words and actions. Father, may we be Your humble servants, and bring You glory in all of our relationships. In the name of Christ Jesus, the greatest mentor and mentee of all time, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training