Samuel: Israel’s Greatest Judge – Part 9

Samuel gave his valedictory speech. Samuel stood before the people of God and declared the following, “I stand here before you—an old, grey-haired man—and my sons serve you. I have served as your leader from the time I was a boy to this very day. Now testify against me in the presence of the Lord and before his anointed one. Whose ox or donkey have I stolen? Have I ever cheated any of you? Have I ever oppressed you? Have I ever taken a bribe and perverted justice? Tell me and I will make right whatever I have done wrong.” “No,” they replied, “you have never cheated or oppressed us, and you have never taken even a single bribe.” “The Lord and His anointed one are my witnesses today,” Samuel declared, “that my hands are clean.” “Yes, He is a witness,” they replied.” Read 1 Samuel 12:2-5 (NLT). 

Watch this, Samuel was well known all over Israel because of his service and dedication to God and his works of righteousness. Beloved, how do you want to be remembered, is it for your wealth and influence in the secular space or is your testimony attributed to the work you have done for the Kingdom of God? The Bible is clear when it says, “So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach.” Read 1 Timothy 3:2 (NLT). I am sure we can agree, Samuel, exemplified these qualities, especially in a tough era in Israel’s history. Therefore, there is no excuse for you and me; we have the Holy Spirit and the power of God working in us to please God.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for you and me to search within and be true to ourselves and determine in our hearts that we want a testimony that will glorify God. “Join me, everyone! Let’s praise the Lord together. Let’s make him famous! Let’s make His name glorious to all.” Read Psalm 34:3 (AMP). My Father, this is my prayer to You, and I am grateful for the Blood of Jesus, which was shed on the Cross of Calvary for me.

We write. You read. Be encouraged.