Heroes: Devotions From Time of Grace MinistrySample

LEADERSHIP: SAMUEL

You might call Samuel the last of the judges and the first of the prophets. He was the bridge between tribal societal organization and the monarchy. As God's personal representative to the Israelite nation, he wielded considerable power. Like the traveling justices in the Old West, he had a prophetic and judging circuit that he would ride. And yet, unlike American politics, he did not see his authority as a convenient way to enrich himself and make his life more comfortable.

"As for me, I am old and gray. . . . I have been your leader from my youth until this day. Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the LORD and His anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes?" (1 Samuel 12:2-3).

Politics has always been awash in money, as people seek to buy influence or power or escape from the consequences of their sins. Who of us is free of the belief that having money is good and having a lot of money is great?

Samuel is my hero because he showed that at the end of your life, what brings the greatest satisfaction is not how much money you made (and spent) on your own pleasures. It is in how useful you have been to God and His saving purposes.