The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1944-08-18
THE PROPHET IN THE LIFE OF
ISRAEL

kSftAEh
LESSON TEXT Samuel 3:19-21; 1912.
GOLDEN TEXTILE that hath my WORD.
let him speak my word acknowledgements
1928.
Remarkably up-to-date is the
helpful guidance found in this les
son. When our nation finds itself
facing those other nations which
would destroy our Christian faith,
and we know that we need the key
both to a true victory and satisfac-
tory peace, the message Of this
scripture comes with fine helpful
ness.
The prophet Samuel (who was
also priest and judge) served God
in ruling his people at time when
they were under the hard heel OF
the Philistines. The way out Of OPP
preston was revealed in Gods
Word, which brought revival and
deliverance-which was not forgot
ten in the day of triumph.
I. Gods Word Declared (3:19-2D.
While a prophet had the ministry
of foretelling, his chief work was
forth-telling. He told of the future,
but his larger ministry was to de-
clare the message of God. AS Sam
uel did this in faithful devotion to
the Lord, there was the immediate
blessing of God which established
the prophet throughout the whole
land.
Those who are timid about "linit-
ing" their ministry (imagine that!)
to the Bible should learn Of Samuel
that it is the only really effective
message. God will not "let you
down" if you teach and preach His
Word. He let none of SamuePs
swords fall to the ground" ". 1917
and He will not desert us as we
give forth His truth.
Note that the Lord Himself came
to strengthen and encourage Samuel
". Ply. He is just as gracious to
His servants today. He comes to
them in that blessed strengthening
fellowship which stirs their hearts
and fires them anew with holy de-
termination.
III. Mans Heart Revived (7:3-6.
The response of the people to
SamuePs message was whole
hearted. They were sick Of their sin
and idolatry. They proved the
reality Of their repentance by put
ting away their heather gods.
Such repentance and appropriate
action is a prerequisite to spiritual
revival. God cannot give us His
blessing if we hold on to our sin
and idolatry.
Note how the revival expressed it.
self. They gathered together and
prayed wv. S, 81. Spiritual life
thrives on the gathering together Of
Gods people. The crisis in Israel
was met by a convocation of the
people. We need to revive the great
soul-stirring religious gatherings of
a generation ago. Go yourself, and
encourage others to 60. Let the fire
of God burn, and let those who meet
scatter far and wide as brands
which will light new fires.
II will pray" said Samuel. He
was great intercessor Il. Sam.
1911, Ps. 1915; Jer. 15:1. Revival
starts in the faithful intercession Of
burdened heart. Should we not
ask ourselves, "Have really
prayed for revival in my church,
my city, and my country?"
iii. A Nation Delivered (7:7-11).
"Cry unto God he will save
u.s." was the word Of Samuel. They
cried, and He did! ''The Lord thun-
dered with great thunder" and
discounted the enemies of Israel.
In these days of warfare we might
well cry out, 'Lord, do it again."
thunder upon our enemies and de-
feat them in such a way that they
and we shall see that it was the hand
of God and not Of men! (See Ps.
20:7.)
That is one thing for which we
might well pray, for ''behold, the
Lords hand is not shortened, that
it cannot save; neither his ear
heavy, that it cannot hear" lisa.
59:D.
Seeing Israel at prayer, the enemy
took advantage of them and at
tackled. In the previous battle at this
very spot (see last Sundays les
sony Israel had been defeated be-
cause they had fought with the
weapons Of man. Now, with Gods
weapons Of prayer and faith, they
had glorious victory.
Nv. Gods Mercy Remembered
(7:12).
Samuel raised stone of remem-
brance, to remind Israel in the
years to come that the Lord had
been their help. A defeated, dis
heartened, sinful people had turned
to God in repentance and faith, and
God had given them victory. They
must never forget His mercy.
One Of the great concerns of think
ing men in our day is the fear that
victory may come to us before we
are spiritually and morally ready
to receive it. II it does, we shall
see mad rush into excuses Of all