Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Model for generations: Equip, Encourage and Embrace

Bible portion: 1 Samuel 3:10-18

Key Verse: “Do not hide it from me. May God deal with you, be it ever so severely, if you hide from me anything he told you.” (1 Samuel 3:17)

 

Devotion

1 Samuel 3:10-18 records the inauguration of the prophetic ministry of Samuel. The text explains how Samuel has been equipped, encouraged and embraced by Eli- his mentor.
Equipping: 1 Samuel 3:10 portrays Samuel as a youth living in a time when the word and vision of the Lord were rare. Samuel had no basis on which to recognize the Lord’s voice (V.7). However, his readiness to listen and respond reflect the equipping ministry that Eli has faithfully carried out. It is Eli’s wise counsel that helped Samuel discern God’s calling. Samuel’s days serving under the instruction of Eli at Shiloh equipped him in recognising the revelatory experience of the Lord.
Encourage: Verses 15-17 presents Eli’s initiative to encourage Samuel to inform about God’s judgement. He called Samuel and enquired about the vision and softened the difficult moment for Samuel by gently addressing him as “my son”, thereby not only equipping him but also encouraging him in executing his ministry.

Embracing: (v.18) Samuel communicated the harsh judgement of the Lord to Eli and, Eli wins our admiration by the integrity of his response. In spite of Eli’s inability to control his sons, the scripture never describes him as personally guilty or lacking in integrity and faithful intent. God’s way into the future for Israel will not include Eli and his household, but Eli embraces the priority of divine will over his own. He not only equips and encourages Samuel in carrying out the will of the Lord but also embraces it personally. Eli began to look up to Samuel for instruction in the word of the Lord, and thus the roles of Eli, and Samuel have now been reversed. In our efforts of nurturing younger generations let us inculcate the good qualities and models of Equipping, Encouraging and Embracing that we see in Eli.

 

PRAYER
 

Father God help to have the courage and wisdom to act for your mighty name’s sake. Help us to know that we can be of best use to you wherever we are, as we cannot be of use to you, where we are not.
 

Thought for the Day 
 

A word of empathic understanding is worth more than an hour of praise and encouragement.

Rev. Anugrah Alex Cherian
Vadattupara Salem Marthoma Church

 

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