Samuel… How significant was he within the historical record of Scripture? How important is he today to people of faith?
His name is mentioned nearly 150 times in Scripture. Two books of the Bible bear his name. He was the most significant person bridging the gap between the moral decadence of the time of “the judges” and the time of Israel and Judah’s kings. He “anointed” both Saul (a failed leader) and David (the prototypical king of Israel/Judah). He performed priestly functions, yet he was neither of priestly linage nor a king. Finally, he is mentioned among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. What a significant leader among God’s people down through the ages!
So, let me ask this question… How did Samuel’s story begin?
Hannah, the wife of an Israelite man named Elkanah, was barren. She felt marginalized and belittled within a culture that prized women bearing children. The taunts of her “rival” drove her to despondency and tears. One year, upon their annual visit to Shiloh, she poured out her despair silently to God near the entrance of the “tent of meeting.” Eli, the priest, observed her mouth moving, but no words were audibly spoken. He scolded her and accused her of drunkenness. She protested, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wind nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord!” (1 Samuel 1:15) What was her silent passionate prayer? “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look upon the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life!” (1 Samuel 1:10-11)
Eli, answered her, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to Him!” And the Lord heard her prayer, and “in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, ‘I have asked for him from the Lord!’” (1 Samuel 1:20)
Hannah followed through on her promise, took Samuel to Eli, who seems to have treated him like a son (who stood in stark contrast to his evil sons) and the rest is Biblical history!
And the lesson? NEVER UNDERESTIMATE (OR DISMISS) THE POWER OF A MOTHER’S PASSIONATE PRAYER – a prayer “poured out” in anguish of heart in keeping with the description of it found in Romans 8:26-27: “The [Holy] Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
So women (and men) of faith, KEEP PRAYING – KEEP “POURING OUT” YOUR HEARTS TO GOD! You can’t begin to imagine how eternally significant the answers to your prayers may be!
Coffee With The Lord 