Marks of God’s prophet

Text: 1 Samuel 3:15-21

“So Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground,” 1 Sam. 3:19.
THOUGH Samuel was just a boy (1Samuel 3:1), the Lord had made him a prophet.

This means that the Lord had given Samuel direct revelations to pass on to others; this was to be delivered exactly as given and stated as a message from God. Samuel’s first revelation from the Lord was a message for his guardian and mentor, Eli. Samuel’s message echoed an earlier prophecy about Eli’s own destruction and that of his family and descendants (1 Samuel 3:10-18).

The job of a true and legitimate prophet is not easy. True prophets of God did not appoint themselves or choose the role. The Lord put them in that position. The Bible declares that as Samuel continued to grow into manhood, the Lord was with him. Further, our text for today poetically says, all of Samuel’s prophecies from the Lord came true.

His status as a messenger of God was routinely confirmed by accurate prophecy (1 Kgs.8: 56; 2Kgs.10:10). People learned to respect that Samuel represented the Lord because every message he delivered happened just as he said the Lord said it would be (1 Samuel 3:20). This was the standard set by God for prophets who spoke in His name. The Law instructed the people to trust those whose words came true and not to worry about any self-proclaimed prophets whose prophecies never happened (Deut.18: 21-22).

It is very important to note that Samuel started his prophetic ministry at such a young age, and this is important in bridging the generations between the period of the Judges and the period of the Kings. During this whole time, God was with Samuel and empowered his ministry, making his words true and effective. Let us pray that God will do the same with His spokespersons today. May God use His servants effectively all the days of their lives and not let any of their words fall to the ground.

Prayers: Holy God, I ask that You empower Your faithful servants today, who proclaim Your word all over the world. Please Lord, bless them with a season of freedom from satanic attacks. Bless them with good health, vigour, and passion. Please Father, give them a long life full of useful service empowered by Your grace. In Jesus’ peerless name I pray. Amen!

• The Rt. Rev. Enoch Atuboyedia is the Bishop of Okrika Diocese