By Pastor Ronal Bernier, Master Builder Ministries, Fall River
In the midst of a dark time for Israel, where the generation of Eli’s sons had profaned the priesthood, God raised up another prophet and priest after His own heart. Where revelation of God had been rare, pictured by the dimming of the eyesight of Eli, a young prophet would prove worthy of walking and speaking the word of the Lord. The Scripture reveals this about Samuel:
“So Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the Lord. Then the Lord appeared again in Shiloh. For the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of God.” 1 Samuel 3:19-21
What we see in Samuel’s life is growth in stature, maturity, character and calling. His authority was derived from his calling and his faithful handling of God’s Word. When darkness had fallen on the land, new light dawned through God’s prophet and priest.
Today, we also can easily spot darkness on our land, but we are called to be light that shines in the darkness. God still calls sons and daughters to stand, with integrity and reveal His Word to the world. We can see the Lord appearing in our situations if we will cultivate a listening ear and walk by faith. Like Samuel, may none of our words fall to the ground. May they be established in the soil of those who hear. May the light of the kingdom penetrate the darkness. May we speak what the Lord gives us to say. We have been called for such a time as this.