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what shall I more say? For the time would fail me to tell of
Gedeon and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae, of David also, and
Samuel and the prophets; who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought
righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Heb.11:32-33 Samuel, like Jeremiah, is called from his mother's womb. Hannah, the mother of Samuel, is barren until, praying in the Spirit, God opens her womb and she conceives and dedicates Samuel to the service of God. From the time of his weaning until the time of his death, Samuel lived a separated life to God. Though separate, he does not separate himself from playing an important part in the socio-political milieu of the Jewish people. He anoints kings, rebukes kings concerning their disobedience to God’s word, executes the will of God when the king fails, and expresses disappointment over the short-sightedness of God’s people. And without all contradiction the less is blessed by the greater. Heb.7:7 The Samuel supremacy is this: As great as Saul and David were as kings, Samuel was the one that anointed them, changed their destiny, and pointed out their sin. The Samuel supremacy is this: The apostolic ministry, the ministry of the prophet, the ministry of the separated life is to bring blessing, guidance, judgment, and God's viewpoint to the socio-political world of the day. It is not to separate and ignore the socio-political arena. It is ever to influence, guide, and direct those destined to rule and govern God’s people. In terms of fulfilling God’s will, those anointed king, both Saul and David, fail to execute the commandments of God. That Samuel brings God's judgment on both kings indicates that where Saul and David fail, Samuel does not. Somehow he remains faithful. "The less is blessed of the better." suggests that the life dedicated to God brings with it great power, a higher obedience, and an influence that stretches to all God's people. Like Samuel, those called to a life of devotion can and should influence the socio-political and religious communities in the era in which they live. The Samuel supremacy suggests that a separated life is not a life of political immunity but one that should impact the organized church and the political world of which it is a part. To fail to do so is to fail to recognize the charism of the "called out ones", the prophets, apostles, and those separated unto God. We live in an age of separation of church and state. If that means separation from the will of God to promote self-will, then the need for the Samuel supremacy to emerge is now more important than ever. Those who hear God's word and do it are those destined for blessing and as Matthew 5 indicates persecution as well. To remain separate and separated and silent is to fail to execute the role of apostle and prophet. Samuel is a part of those in Hebrew's chapter 11 who are part of the "hall of fame of faith." The execution of the role of prophet is an act of faith. Are you one of those so called? Is there a call on your life to be separate but not aloof, to suffer persecution and even death for the kingdom of God? Then it is time to recognize the call. It is time to recognize the Samuel supremacy. It is time to act for God. Amen. |