Mission Possible (1 Samuel 7)
One of the shows that I have come to memorize recently is Paw Patrol. Many of you have watched this show for your children or grandchildren. There are phrases in the show that are repeated. One being, “No job is too big, no pup is too small.” Those puppies are on a roll every time Rider needs them. Chase is on the case, Rubble is on the double, and Rocky says, “Green means go.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard those phrases. But the great thing about this show is that first phrase, “No job is too big and no pup is too small.” To me this phrase is depicting the type of attitude that is willing to submit and try anything to accomplish the mission that their leader has given them.
Today, we will explore the power having the right attitude has to help us achieve our mission to spread His word. We need to come up with a catchy phrase like that, “No job is too big and no Christian is too small.” Maybe not, but let's dive into the truth that in God, no mission is too great, no heart too hard, no situation too hopeless.
A World Without God
Samuel: A Beacon of Faith in Darkness
Picture this: Israel, a nation lost in spiritual darkness. The word of the Lord was rare, visions were infrequent. It was a time when the lamp of God had not yet gone out, but it was flickering, barely holding on against the darkness (1 Samuel 3:1). In this backdrop, enters Samuel, a young boy dedicated to God by his mother, Hannah.
Samuel's situation seems all too familiar, doesn't it? We look around and see a world that often seems to have forgotten God. The task of reviving faith in such a world can feel like trying to light a wet match. This is where Samuel stands out. His faith, in a time where faith was scarce, makes him not just a historical figure but a relatable example for us today.
Samuel's Calling: An Unlikely Change Agent
Let's be real: Samuel was not the obvious choice for leading a spiritual revival. He was young, inexperienced, and living in a time when the priests themselves had lost their way. But God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called. And Samuel? He was definitely called.
When God called Samuel, he responded, "Speak, for your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10). This simple yet profound response reveals the heart of a true servant of God – willing to listen and ready to act. Samuel didn't let the corruption around him define his faith. Instead, he let his faith redefine his surroundings.
Samuel’s Impact: A Turning Point for Israel
Under Samuel's leadership, Israel experienced a dramatic spiritual turnaround. This wasn’t because Samuel had some superhuman ability. No, it was his unwavering faith and his willingness to stand in the gap, even when it seemed like he was standing alone.
1 Samuel 7:3–12 (ESV) — 3 And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 4 So the people of Israel put away the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and they served the Lord only. 5 Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel at Mizpah, and I will pray to the Lord for you.” 6 So they gathered at Mizpah and drew water and poured it out before the Lord and fasted on that day and said there, “We have sinned against the Lord.” And Samuel judged the people of Israel at Mizpah. 7 Now when the Philistines heard that the people of Israel had gathered at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the people of Israel heard of it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 8 And the people of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” 9 So Samuel took a nursing lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. And Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. 10 As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel. But the Lord thundered with a mighty sound that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel. 11 And the men of Israel went out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and struck them, as far as below Beth-car. 12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.”
Samuel’s impact on Israel was like a spark in dry grass. It caught on, leading to a revival of the worship of Yahweh. He was instrumental in turning Israel's heart back to God, proving that even in the darkest of times, God can work wonders through those who are faithful.
Connecting to Samuel: Our Role in a Faithless World
So, what does Samuel's story mean for us? It's a reminder that God's work doesn't depend on favorable conditions. It depends on willing hearts. In a world that often feels disconnected from God, our role is not to lament the darkness but to be the carriers of His light, just like Samuel.
We, too, can be agents of change in a seemingly faithless world. It’s not about our ability, but our availability to God. Like Samuel, we need to be ready to listen and respond when God calls, no matter how impossible the task seems. Our faith, small though it may seem, can be the catalyst for change in our communities, our families, and our world.
Samuel's story is not just a tale from the past; it's a living, breathing call to action for us today. In a world that may not know God, our mission is critical. Like Samuel, we are surrounded by challenges, but we are also accompanied by the same God who called and empowered him.
Paving the Way for Samuel
Hannah: A Mother's Faith That Birthed a Movement
Now, where did that faith come from? Let's take a moment to shift our focus to Hannah. Often, when we think of biblical heroes, we focus on the ones at the forefront, like Samuel. But behind Samuel was a woman of incredible faith, his mother, Hannah. Her story is not just a prelude to Samuel's; it's a powerful testament to how God uses the faith of one person to set extraordinary plans in motion.
Hannah lived in a time of deep personal anguish. Year after year, she faced the heartache of childlessness, compounded by societal scorn. Yet, in her deepest pain, she turned to God with a faith so raw and real that it reshaped her destiny—and by extension, the destiny of an entire nation.
Hannah's Prayer: A Model of Faithful Petition
Let’s be real: Hannah’s prayer wasn't a serene, composed affair. It was a gut-wrenching outpour of her soul, so intense that Eli the priest thought she was drunk (1 Samuel 1:13). But in this raw, unfiltered prayer, we see the essence of true faith. It's not about polished words; it's about a heart fully reliant on God.
Hannah's vow was remarkable. She promised to give her son to the Lord all the days of his life (1 Samuel 1:11). Here’s a woman who hadn’t just come to terms with her pain; she transformed it into a pledge of faith. She wasn't bargaining with God; she was surrendering to Him, showing us that true faith often requires surrendering what we hold most dear.
The Ripple Effect of Hannah’s Faith
Hannah's story is a beacon of hope, showing us that our mission, no matter how daunting, is possible. Her faith set the stage for Samuel's life and ministry. But more than that, it shows us the indispensable role women play in God's plan. Hannah wasn't just raising a child; she was nurturing a leader who would change the course of history.
Her faith was a catalyst for change, a spark that ignited a revival in Israel. This teaches us a crucial lesson: the faith of one person can have a ripple effect, reaching far beyond what we can see or imagine.
Connecting Hannah’s Faith to Our Mission
Hannah's faith challenges us to look at our own situations differently. Once again, in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances, are we willing to trust God as Hannah did? Her story encourages us to bring our deepest pains and most impossible situations before God in faith, believing that He can transform them for His purpose.
In a world that often overlooks the quiet, steadfast faith of individuals like Hannah, we are reminded that our mission is not just possible; it’s already in motion through the faithful acts we commit every day. Every prayer, every act of surrender, every step of faith is a building block in God’s grand design.
As we reflect on Hannah's life, let's remember that our mission, no matter how impossible it seems, is built on the foundation of faith—faith like Hannah’s. It’s a faith that surrenders, that trusts, and that sets into motion God’s plan for us and for those around us. And as we’ll see next, this foundation of faith didn’t just pave the way for Samuel; it also set the stage for the legacy of David, a man after God’s own heart
A Faithful Nation Under God
Samuel's Influence on David: Shaping a King
As we turn our attention to David, we see Samuel's legacy unfold in remarkable ways. Samuel, the boy who heard God’s call in the night, grew up to be the prophet who anointed David as king. This moment is not just a transition of power; it's a testament to how God uses faithful individuals to set His divine plans into motion.
Consider the scene: Samuel, guided by God, arrives at Jesse's house in Bethlehem. He sees David, not as a future warrior king or a political strategist, but as a shepherd boy with a heart for God. In this young, unassuming David, Samuel sees God’s chosen leader for Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Samuel didn’t know what he was looking at, but God showed him. This was God working through Samuel to establish a king unlike any other, a king after His own heart.
David: The Impossible Mission of a Nation
David's rise from shepherd to king seems like a story straight out of a fairy tale. But this is more than a rags-to-riches story; it's a narrative of how God accomplishes His mission through people of faith. David, anointed by Samuel, would go on to lead Israel to a golden era, establishing it as a powerful and faithful nation.
Under David's leadership, Israel became a beacon to surrounding nations. His reign was marked by military victories, economic prosperity, and, most importantly, spiritual revival. Through David, God demonstrated His power and faithfulness, fulfilling the promise He made to Abraham centuries earlier: to make Israel a great nation, a light to all nations (Genesis 12:2-3).
The Legacy of Faith: From Samuel to David and Beyond
What we see in the relationship between Samuel and David is a divine thread weaving through generations. Samuel’s faith and obedience played a crucial role in ushering in David’s kingship. In turn, David’s reign embodied the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people. It shows us how God’s plans are often bigger than we can understand, spanning generations and impacting countless lives.
Samuel's legacy in shaping David reminds us that our mission, no matter how impossible it seems, is part of a larger story God is writing. Our faithfulness today can have far-reaching effects, influencing the course of history and the lives of those who come after us.
Connecting Their Legacy to Our Mission
As we reflect on the legacies of Hannah, Samuel, and David, we are reminded that our mission in this world is not a solitary journey. We are part of a divine relay, passing the baton of faith from one generation to the next. Our role, like Samuel's, may be to mentor, guide, and influence others for God’s kingdom. And like David, we are called to lead with a heart attuned to God, shining His light to the nations.
Samuel's legacy through David shows us that with God, the impossible becomes possible. From a child in a faithless time to a king leading a nation, God works through each act of faithfulness, weaving them into His grand design. Let us take heart in this: our faith, our mission, is part of something much bigger. As we stay faithful in our walk with God, we contribute to a story of divine magnitude, echoing through generations and across nations.
Application: Embracing Our Role in God’s Mission
Understanding Our Struggles in Fulfilling God’s Mission
As we delve into the application of our study, it's crucial to acknowledge the real struggles we face in embracing our role in God’s mission. Often, these struggles are rooted in fear: fear of the dark world, fear of suffering and trials, and fear of being different. Let’s address these fears and see how the lessons learned from Samuel, Hannah, and David can guide us to overcome them.
Fear of the Dark World
- The Challenge: Just as Samuel was called to minister in a spiritually dark time, we may feel intimidated by the daunting task of shining God’s light in a world that often seems opposed to His truth. Samuel was even removed from a leadership role at one point due to Israel’s first king’s, Saul’s, wickedness.
- The Lesson: Samuel’s story teaches us that God specializes in using faithful individuals to bring change in even the darkest situations. Our role isn't to dispel the darkness on our own, but to be a vessel through which God's light can shine.
Fear of Suffering and Trials
- The Challenge: Like Hannah, we may be hesitant to step into God’s mission because of the personal pain or trials we have gone through in the past. We can imagine trials and suffering increasing if we open up and surrender to God. A deeper pain of heartbreak and disappointment can be unbearable.
- The Lesson: Hannah’s story reminds us that our deepest struggles can be the birthplace of our greatest contributions to God’s mission. God often uses our trials not just to shape us, but also to pave the way for His greater purpose. Surrender and let God work out the details.
Fear of Being Unlike Anyone Else
- The Challenge: In a culture that often promotes conformity, being a faithful Christian can feel like being a David in a world of Sauls.
- The Lesson: David’s life exemplifies that being different, being a person after God’s own heart, is not a weakness but a strength. Embracing our zeal is key to fulfilling the role He has for us.
Overcoming Our Obstacles: Lessons for the Journey
- in God's Sovereignty: Just as Samuel trusted in God’s guidance, we must remember that God is sovereign over all circumstances. Our mission is under His control, and He equips us to face whatever comes our way.
- God's Strength in Our Weakness: The story of Samuel is not one of great personal feats of strength or wisdom. It’s one of devotion to God and God’s providential care.. Remember that when we are weak, then we are strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).
- to Be Different for God: We ought to embrace our calling with courage, even if it sets us apart in this dark world. Our distinctiveness is a testament to God’s creative work in our lives, designed to fulfill His unique purpose for each of us.
- Into Community: Remember, we are not alone in this mission. Just as Samuel, Hannah, and David were part of God’s larger narrative, we too are part of a community of believers. Together, we can encourage, support, and strengthen each other as we embark on this mission. Our mission is not just about the here and now, but also about the future generations. What kind of legacy will we leave them?
- the Focus on God’s Glory: Our ultimate aim is to bring glory to God, not to ourselves. This perspective helps us rise above our fears and focus on the greater purpose of our calling.
Conclusion: Stepping Forward in Faith
In closing, let us take heart from these biblical examples. Their lives remind us that with God, all things – including our mission – are possible. Despite our fears and hesitations, we are called to step forward in faith, trusting that God will use us to make a difference in this world for His glory.
As we leave today, let us commit to embracing our role in God’s mission, emboldened by the knowledge that He is with us, equipping and guiding us every step of the way. Let's step out in faith, ready to face our fears, knowing that in God’s hands, our mission is not just possible; it’s a promise being fulfilled.