Samuel was a leader!

Approaching the end of his career, Samuel called the people of Israel together. As he prepared to pass the mantle over to their newly anointed king, he took the opportunity to remind them of a few things. Want to know what makes a great leader? There is much to emulate in Samuel's life! Think about the following:


1. His life.  In contrast to Eli and his evil sons, Samuel's life had been an open book of honesty and clean living. Where Eli's sons had robbed from the temple and carried on immorally with women who came there to worship, Samuel had a clean slate. This is how he put it:

I have walked before you from my childhood to this day. Here I am. Witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I received any bribe with which to blind my eyes? I will restore it to you.” (1 Samuel 12:2-3)

No one could lay an accusation against the man! How many of our leaders can say that today? It seems that hardly a day goes by that one of God's leaders is caught in an embarrassing, compromising, career-ending event. Samuel was not of that genre! He lived a clean life. He understood the ethos of the speaker was of vital importance. Who he was as a person was as important as what he said or did.


2. His doctrine.  Samuel realized that God was the author of everything. He rightly understood the relationship of God to His people. As he continued to speak, Samuel made sure that God was given all of the credit for the good that had taken place. 

It is the LORD who raised up Moses and Aaron, and who brought your fathers up from the land of Egypt.  Now therefore, stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD concerning all the righteous acts of the LORD which He did to you and your fathers: (1 Samuel 12:6-7)

Samuel took pains to point out that it was God who had done the mighty deeds through his servants Moses and Aaron. He was quick to point out that it was God who worked in them, both to will and to act (Phil 2:13). He knew the danger of not giving God the credit for His mighty works.


3. His prayer life.  As he demonstrated by asking God for rain during the dry season, Samuel knew the power of prayer. He practiced it and encouraged his listeners by reminding them of his prayers for them:

Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; (1 Samuel 12:23)

We often remind ourselves of the importance of prayer, but how often do we think that the failure to pray is actually a sin against the Lord?  From the time Samuel had heard God's voice in the Temple and responded (1 Samuel 3), he knew the importance of prayer. He knew it theoretically and he knew it practically. Prayer became a way of life for Samuel, and failing to pray for God's people would be sin.


4. His teaching.  Samuel knew God through the relationship that he himself enjoyed with Him. And he was willing to teach others how to have that kind of relationship.

but I will teach you the good and the right way.  Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. (1 Samuel 12:23-24)

Samuel was willing to share what he knew about God. He was willing to be a teacher. He warned, he encouraged, he cajoled, he admonished. What he knew about God he held out for others to learn and he encouraged them to put it into practice. It was not simply theory that he taught; it was a way of life.  Serve Him, fear Him, obey Him,, be confident in Him.  This was teaching that demanded action; this was application was well as Scripture.


What a great example Samuel set for leaders through the ages! Father, help me to be a faithful leader as I live my life, consider my doctrine, pray for my learners and teach them how to live in you. Amen!