The first book of Samuel relates to the period from the end of the time of the Judges through to the accession of David to the throne of Israel. Samuel was God's prophet at that time but the book is mainly taken up with accounts of the lives of three men - Saul, David and Jonathan. This study examines something of the relationship between them, their service for the Lord, and the relevance of this to believers today.
The time when the judges ruled was a dark period in the nation's history, as is seen in Judges, Ruth, and 1 Samuel 1-7. There were fifteen judges and they ruled for about 300 years. It is stated on two occasions (Judg 17.6 and 21.25) that "In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes". The judges were never national leaders but men, and one woman, prepared and raised up by God to meet local emergencies. "Nevertheless the Lord raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them" (Judg 2.16). The judges were evidence of God's continuing love and care for His people.
Israel emerged from the period of rule by the judges completely dominated and humiliated by the Philistines. The Philistines were masters in the use of iron and the Israelites were dependent upon them for the supply and even the maintenance of tools used for cultivation. The Israelites had no swords; their only weapons in battle were their agricultural implements (1 Sam 13.19-20).
Despite the faithful testimony and labour of Samuel there lingered from the days of the judges that which displeased the Lord. The sons of Eli the High Priest robbed the people and committed adultery in the precincts of the tabernacle (1 Sam 2.12-17). Of Samuel's sons we read, "It came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel…And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment" (1 Sam 8.1-3).
The people were aware of these things and this, together with their desire to be like the nations around them, resulted in their demand for a king to lead them. This distressed Samuel but God encouraged him with the words: "Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them" (1 Sam 8.7). After outlining the consequences of being ruled by an earthly king (1 Sam 8.11-18), God chose Saul. The "manner of the kingdom" was recorded in a book which was "laid…up before the Lord" (1 Sam 10.25).
The kings of Israel, like the kings around them, had high status and wielded considerable authority over the people; but primarily they were (as indeed were the people) servants of the Lord. Their success or failure was evaluated on this basis. It is recorded that they "DID" that which was right or evil in the sight of the Lord (e.g. 2 Chr 28.1; 36.5). Scripture carefully outlines principles of service for God, and for the purpose of our study we need to consider just four. They are principles that apply beyond 1 Samuel so are considered in the wider context of Scripture. They are:
God always equips for service
Paul wrote about this to believers at Corinth. He defended his position as an apostle and asserted that he was equipped by God for this service. "Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges?" (1 Cor 5.7). The word translated "charges" occurs in three other places in the New Testament where (in the AV) it is translated "wages". The root word refers to the rations provided for an army when it goes into battle. God makes full provision available to all who serve Him. In this way He equips for service.
God always reveals to His servants the service He requires
Acts 9 records the words spoken to Ananias about Saul of Tarsus. Ananias was fearful of Saul but God assured him not only of Saul's conversion but also of the service He would require of him. "Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake" (Acts 9.15-16).
Too often we think we can decide how we should serve the Lord and later wonder why we are not effective or find it difficult to continue. The bond-servant does not choose his service but submits to the will of his/her master. The Lord Jesus taught His disciples: "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord" (Jn 15.20).
God never compels His people to serve Him
This is a lesson Peter had to learn. The disciples were chosen to be with the Lord and to learn from Him how they should continue His work after He went away. After Christ's death Peter had other ideas and gathered together a small company of fishermen/disciples and declared, "I go a fishing"; they replied, "We also go with thee". Sometimes God allows us to go our own way so that we might learn that His way is the best. So "They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing" (Jn 21.3). They ended up despondent, cold, weary and hungry, but as the new day dawned Jesus was waiting for them on the shore. He knew their needs and provided warmth, breakfast and the gracious invitation, "Come and dine" (v.12)! This would have reminded them of earlier times when He had taught them as they dined together, but on this occasion the Lord had particular things to say to Peter.
He addressed him specifically but lovingly: "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?" (v.15). It is not known, although countless suggestions have been made, to what the word "these" refers. But we note the word He used for love (agape) is the word most frequently used in the New Testament for the divine love. Peter was being asked if he loved the Lord with love that was a genuine reflection of that divine love. Peter's best reply at that time was, "Lord; thou knowest that I love (am fond - phileo) of thee" (vv.15-17). The third time the Lord asked the question, Peter was grieved because the Lord used the word Peter had used - "Lovest thou (phileo) me?" (v.17). Peter was aware that the Lord knew that this represented his condition at that time.
The Lord was revealing to Peter the service required of him. Peter had chosen his own way and all had gone disastrously wrong. The Lord made clear to Peter what He required by using a metaphor associated with a shepherd rather than a fisherman: "Feed my lambs", "Feed my sheep". Peter never forgot that meeting. The direction of his life changed and his love and service for the Lord from that time until his death were never in doubt.
Testimony of service for God is indelibly written
Sins after true repentance can be forgiven and broken relationships can be repaired, but testimony once written, for better or for worse, can never be altered. Paul wrote, "I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God" (1 Cor 15.9). It was testimony of his life before he met the Lord and he deeply regretted it, but it could not be altered. This is ever the backdrop to service for the Lord and can be the source of joy or regret.
To be continued.
