This lesson is a continuation of Mike’s series on Bible characters from Hebrews 11.
Samuel, a faithful prophet of God , was known for doing right and speaking the truth. He was God’s prophet when the Israelites first demanded a king, and he anointed Saul, and then David, as king over God’s people.
Throughout his life, Samuel spoke the word of God to Israel. As Christians today, the Word speaks to us. Can we say to God – as Samuel did – “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10 NIV).
In this lesson, Mike uses the example of Samuel to encourage us to grow in our understanding of the truth – Jesus.
“Samuel said to all Israel, ‘I have listened to everything you said to me and have set a king over you. Now you have a king as your leader. As for me, I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have been your leader from my youth until this day. Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the Lord and his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these things, I will make it right.’
‘You have not cheated or oppressed us,’ they replied. ‘You have not taken anything from anyone’s hand.’
Samuel said to them, ‘The Lord is witness against you, and also his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.’”
1 Samuel 12:1-5 (NIV)