CHILDREN STS LESSON 40 THE CALL OF SAMUEL
TEXT: 1 Samuel 3:1-21
Samuel was born in answer to the prayer of his mother, Hannah. She was married to Elkanah, and for many years, had no child. She became worried; she fasted, prayed and asked God to give her a baby boy. She also promised to give him back to serve in the house of God all the days of his life. God granted her request and gave her a bouncing baby boy. She called his name Samuel, which means “Asked of God”.
Hannah fulfilled her promise by taking Samuel to the temple at Shiloh. Samuel then stayed with Eli the priest to serve the Lord. You are born for a purpose. God has great plans for your life. Surrender to Him so that His purpose will be fulfilled in your life.
- THE CALL OF SAMUEL:
1 Samuel 3:1-21; Exodus 3:1-4; Isaiah 6:8
Samuel’s mother promised God that if He would give her a son, then, she would give the son to serve God. As a small boy, Samuel was brought to the Tabernacle to help Eli. Each year his mother would visit and bring him a new little coat. Samuel was always in the temple serving God. He learned the duties of a priest from Eli. One day, Samuel heard the voice of the Lord. It was a special call.
In the Old Testament, God sometimes spoke directly to His people. However, at the time Samuel was born, the children of Israel had forsaken God to serve idols. This made the word of the Lord to be scarce. The book of Judges describes the situation as “everybody doing that which was right in his eyes”. (Judges 17:6)
There was no open vision, no prophecy and teaching of the word of God. In the midst of this confusion and spiritual “dryness”, God found Samuel. He spoke directly to him, and called him by his name. Do you know that God knows your name? That is why He stands at the door of your heart, knocking and saying, son/daughter give me your heart. Samuel’s response to God was prompt, this shows obedience. As you receive the call of God again through His word, you must behave like Samuel and answer His call without delay.
- COMMITMENT OF A FAITHFUL PROPHET:
1 Samuel 3:19-21; 2:18
From an early age, Samuel was trained by the high priest Eli for his sacred (holy) duties. He served as a priest, judge and prophet. He eventually succeeded Eli as high priest. Because of the spiritual decline of Israel, God called Samuel to proclaim His word, provide an example of faithfulness in doing God’s will, call the children of Israel to repentance and renewal and to stand in the gap for the people.
Samuel did not disappoint God. He served Him right from the time he was called as a child till his old age. In serving God, Samuel showed the following characteristics:
(a) Uprightness – 1 Samuel 12:1-3. He judged the people of God in truth and righteousness. When they demanded a king, he was bold to tell them to testify if he had done any bad thing to them.
(b) Consecration and commitment to God’s word – 1 Samuel 1:24-26. He never looked back from the time that his mother brought him to the temple. He remained with the Lord.
(c) Separation from evil – 1 Samuel 2:17,18. Despite the corruption of Hophni and Phinehas, Samuel remained unspotted. He separated himself from bad influences.
(d) Diligence in service – 1 Samuel 3:1-4. He was always in the temple attending to the needs of Eli the high priest. He also took care of the Holy place and did the work assigned to him. This was why he heard the voice of God.
(e) Courage – 1 Samuel 13:13. He feared God more than the king. He was not afraid to declare the word of God at any time.
(f) Devotion to God – 1 Samuel 7:5-8; 8:6. He was a man of prayer. He prayed often for the people. This led to revival and renewal in Israel. A prayerful child is a powerful child.
Samuel’s characteristics brought him into favour with God and man (1 Samuel 2:26). You can be a Samuel in your generation. The nation needs someone who will bring revival. Surrender your life to God and let Him use you for His glory.
- COMMAND TO SERVE THE LORD:
1 Samuel 3:4; Isaiah 6:2-8; Matthew 19:14; Mark 16:15
God’s will and desire for every soul is that we serve Him in truth and spirit. It is for that purpose that we are created in His image. The exemplary life of Samuel has proven that children can start to serve God even from their childhood. God honoured Samuel so much that whatever he said came to pass. If you want to be honoured by God, you must surrender to Him.
First, if you are a sinner, repent and ask for forgiveness and cleansing in the blood of Jesus. Pray and ask God to make you holy and righteous. By so doing, you will be prepared for God’s service. Service to God involves:
(a) preaching the gospel to sinners everywhere. Preach with concern and the urgency that it demands.
(b) Serving God in the fellowship as a chorister, usher etc.
(c) Following- up new converts and teaching them the word of God.
(d) Living an exemplary life.
Let your light shine before all men just like Samuel. Be separate from all bad influences around you. Live for Christ both day and night. Be faithful, brave and honest. The Bible is God’s revelation to every boy and girl. Love it, read it every day, think on it, store it in your heart, obey it all the time, live by it and share it with others.
QUESTIONS:
- At the time Samuel was born, what made the word of God to be scarce?
- How did Samuel receive God’s call?
- Mention five attributes in Samuel which qualified him for God’s service.
- (a) What is God calling sinners to do? (b) How can a sinful child respond to God’s call?
- In what ways can a Christian child faithfully serve God?
MEMORY VERSE: “And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth” (1 Samuel 3:10).
LESSON: God has called every boy/girl to serve Him.
THOUGHT: I will serve the Lord all the days of my life.
ACTIVITY: Sword drill: Matthew 4:19; Isaiah 6:8; Acts 9:15; Exodus 3:4
HOMEWORK: Pray and consecrate yourself to God’s service.
CONGREGATIONAL SONG: 47 – JUST OBEY
CHORUSES:
(1) Make me a good childlike Samuel.
(2) Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.
(3) When He calls me.
BIBLE WORD SEARCH
Find the meaning of these words. You can use your dictionary:
1. Reveal 2. Exemplary 3. Commitment 4. Courageous 5. Faithful
