Series: Never seen before in 2024 – I pray that the Lord will open your eyes and heart to the reality of leadership pain! I also want to say that everyone of you if your choose to lead will expereince leadership pain. We all at some point lead in our lives so we need to be prepared to lead like Samuel did and understand pain comes with leading. But with pain also comes the classroom of growth!
Sermon: Samuel – Leadership Pain
Thesis: Samuel lived an exemplary life for God and for Israel, but they rejected his leadership for a king and blamed it on his wayward sons! Samuel reveals his leadership pain in chapter 12 and reveals to them what God revealed to him that they are rejecting God not Him. But even after his message from God and the supernatural sign of God’s displeasure the people still want a king to lead them.
Introduction:
Now some of you just decided I am not a leader nor do I EVER want to be a leader – reason - because I don’t want the pain – the stress – the pressure - the lime light – or the heartache attached to it! But leadership is called influence and the truth is we either influence people positively or negatively so we need to decide to be the best godly influencer you can be.
We see throughout the Bible that many resisted a leadership position for God in the Bible: People like Moses and Saul who we studies last week – the first king of Israel.
But listen carefully – I want to say it again: Everyone of you leads another person at some time in your life – you all lead – parents lead – relatives lead other relatives – friends help lead each other – so I believe we need to determine to be a better leader when those moments in time come!
So lets lead like Samuel!
Summary of my recent messages:
If I would summarize the OT books we have explored so far such as Judges, Joshua, Ruth, and the Pentateuch (The 1st five books of the Bible):
The main lessons I have seen being communicated in these books from the OT addressing Israel the Nation and also individuals – I see a series of warning messages from God and His assigned leaders – the warnings are addressed to both a nation as a whole and to individuals:
I see three common warnings:
1. Listening to God = The Blessings of God
2. Ignoring God = Deception by the forces of Evil
3. Rebellion against God = The Judgment of God which always comes with severe consequences.
Scripture text: 1 Samuel 12 (read)
Samuel’s Farewell Speech
1 Samuel said to all Israel, “I have listened to everything you said to me and have set a king over you. 2 Now you have a king as your leader. As for me, I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have been your leader from my youth until this day. 3 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? If I have done any of these, I will make it right.” 4 “You have not cheated or oppressed us,” they replied. “You have not taken anything from anyone’s hand.” 5 Samuel said to them, “The LORD is witness against you, and also his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is witness,” they said. 6 Then Samuel said to the people, “It is the LORD who appointed Moses and Aaron and brought your forefathers up out of Egypt. 7 Now then, stand here, because I am going to confront you with evidence before the LORD as to all the righteous acts performed by the LORD for you and your fathers. 8 “After Jacob entered Egypt, they cried to the LORD for help, and the LORD sent Moses and Aaron, who brought your forefathers out of Egypt and settled them in this place. 9 “But they forgot the LORD their God; so he sold them into the hand of Sisera, the commander of the army of Hazor, and into the hands of the Philistines and the king of Moab, who fought against them. 10 They cried out to the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned; we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and the Ashtoreths. But now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, and we will serve you.’ 11 Then the LORD sent Jerub-Baal,a Barak,b Jephthah and Samuel,c and he delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, so that you lived securely. 12 “But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we want a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king. 13 Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you asked for; see, the LORD has set a king over you. 14 If you fear the LORD and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the LORD your God—good! 15 But if you do not obey the LORD, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was against your fathers.
16 “Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes! 17 Is it not wheat harvest now? I will call upon the LORD to send thunder and rain. And you will realize what an evil thing you did in the eyes of the LORD when you asked for a king.” 18 Then Samuel called upon the LORD, and that same day the LORD sent thunder and rain. So all the people stood in awe of the LORD and of Samuel. 19 The people all said to Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for your servants so that we will not die, for we have added to all our other sins the evil of asking for a king.” 20 “Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. 21 Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 22 For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25 Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away.”
a Also called Gideon
b Some Septuagint manuscripts and Syriac; Hebrew Bedan
c Hebrew; some Septuagint manuscripts and Syriac Samson
The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), 1 Sa 12:1–25.
I. 3 warnings come again from Samuel: By the way - I see the same three warnings surface in 1 Samuel 12 again for individuals and for the nation of Israel:
a. Reminder of the three warnings:
i. Listening to God = The Blessings of God – which comes with His presence-power and protection.
ii. Ignoring God = Deception by the forces of Evil and choices that cause heartache and pain.
iii. Rebellion against God = The Judgment of God which always comes with severe consequences to us, our family and our community.
1. The characters who have surfaced to the top so far in 1 Samuel are: Israel – The Nation – Hannah (Samuels Mother) Samuel (The judge, prophet, priest of God) – Eli (The priest) – his sons Hophni and Phinehas – Samuel’s sons Joel and Abijah, and then Saul - Israel’s first king - their stories teach us the same 3 warnings!
a. Just recall their individual stories and we see the same three warnings! You do this – this will happen – we see the ones who were blessed and the ones who were judged and condemned.
b. So, I want to take a moment to talk about Israel – The Nation of Israel for a moment:
i. I have not explained the mystery of the nation of Israel up to this point in my messages this year as we have been exploring the Bible - we have looked at a lot of personal stories of God’s people – true stories – historical stories - we know from our studies and from my messages that most of the OT follows the birth of this nation – Israel – and it’s many leaders.
1. The rise of Israel as a nation out of Egypt – the wilderness wanderings – and then the taking of the Promised Land – But what is unique about this nation it’s unusual connection to God!
a. He comes and dwells in their presence – daily – visibly – miraculously! This is special – never seen before in the history of the world.
b. God chose this nation to manifest Himself to and on behalf of the world!
2. Last week we saw the nation moving from a theocracy to a monarchy – They now have their first King of Israel crowned and anointed “King Saul.”
3. 1 Samuel 12 is going to address the three warnings again (the ones mentioned above) – but be aware the warnings apply to individuals and to the nation of Israel!
a. The Bible speaks to nations and to individuals by the way – it has a message for both!
ii. The mystery of Israel and their connection to God the Father! My thoughts come from Jonathan Cahn’s book “The Dragon Prophecy” which I started reading and listening to this week- it triggered some concepts in my mind and heart.
1. The mystery people of Israel have always been at the center of things in history – no nation has been at the core of things in the world like Israel – both in ancient and modern-day times. Israel seems to be a focal point in history time and time again. Have you noticed this in your lifetime? Israel a small nation in comparison to many other nations is front and center in the history of the world!
a. Why is that? Why this nation and not another nation?
b. Why did God choose Israel?
2. Cahn states, “No people have ever known so much rejection, antipathy, and hatred. Joined to one land as no other people have ever been so joined to a land (a small section of land) – and yet separated from their land and landless as no other people have been so separated from a land or landless. Dwelling apart and separate from the nations as no people have ever been so separate-and yet so intertwined with the nations and yet so critical (to the world). No people have ever been so connected to their times and their space, and yet no people have so transcended the parameters of time and space to become near timeless and universal. They have been the weakest of nations and yet the strongest (of nations) - the most vulnerable of people and most often in danger of extermination-and yet the most enduring of people. No people, while on earth, have ever known the presence of God and glories of Heaven (Like Israel) – and yet no other people have ever so known the depths of hell. (The many atrocities and holocausts faced by this nation) They are an enigma, an anomaly, a paradox, a mystery people…What makes Israel unique among the nations, and the Jews, separate among the peoples? The answer is God! (The Dragon Prophecy page 15).
a. Reality Check – Did you hear his answer – the difference is God – no nation has had the favor of God, the protection of God and the presence of God manifested in it like Israel! NONE in history!
i. I should the USA has at different points by the way to but not like Israel!
iii. Let’s make another observation of Israel. Why has Israel been the focus of so much hate and rage? Why have dictators and tyrants sought to eradicate them from the face of the earth? Ponder that thought?
1. Why has so much attention been given to Israel? Think about that for a moment?
a. Israel today is still in the news most nights.
2. What made Israel unique – different than other nations – Why were they chosen to be God’s people – Now remember - God did the choosing not Israel.
a. Yes, God decided to manifest His presence in Israel from the beginning – The plagues, the pillar of fire and the cloud, the parting of the Red Sea. Yes, God decided to show up on their behalf when they were slaves in Egypt to deliver them – God’s protection power came to them along with His presence – God came to this people through Moses – entered the Ark of the Covenant and The Tabernacle – His presence came into the Temple Solomon built. But God’s presence also left the Temple according to Ezekiel 10:1-22.
b. With God’s presence came God’s guidance, God’s words and God’s leadership. His all-knowing insight gave them victories in battle – miracle deliverances – miracle food in the wilderness – God gave them the promised land and directly led this nation with his chosen leaders- The Israelites did not choose their land God led a nation to this Promised Land (which is still being protested to this day 1,000’s of years later)!
3. The truth is the nation was chosen by God through the act of Abraham – his unwavering faith to believe in God and to trust God. But his action to surrender to God and be guided by God angered an opposing force to the God of Heaven – this force is called “Evil” “Sahtan - Satan” Diabolos – The Devil” Don’t miss this reality check people!
a. When God chose to make Israel his nation and people “The Enemy declared war on this people and nation.”
4. The question must also be explored deeper – Why do so many nations hate Israel with a demonic passion? – Why do they despise Israel and the Jewish people? – Why do they seek to destroy Israel and the Jewish people? Listen they want to annihilate them exterminate them!
a. It seems irrational – not – rational?
5. The unveiling is happening now - The reason they are hated is their connection to God the Father “Jehovah” and to Jesus “The Messiah.”
a. Pause and think on that for a moment?
i. The unnatural hatred of Israel comes from a unnatural force called “Evil.”
b. Israel is a vessel used of God and by God – they are a central conduit to fulfill God’s plan and purpose for the world.
i. Revelation 12 reveals this truth – this prophecy and visual found here is showing how that the red dragon is out to destroy Israel and God’s faithful people.
1. The red dragon another name to describe “Evil.”
c. The revelation of God is the “The Alpha and Omega” Jesus is the Savior of the world – He came for all people and nations – But Satan is enraged because he comes through the Jewish nation - Jesus is birthed out of Israel – His name was – is – and will be revealed in the future in all his glory “Jesus!” is the reason the world hates Israel!
6. Hence the mystery of why the world hates and fights against Israel is revealed – The forces of evil - demonic forces are out to wipe away the existence and presence of God in this world – Did you hear that? YES, there is a spiritual battle raging between an entity called “Evil” and God “Jehovah” who is called Good!
a. The Jewish people according to Jonathan Cahn have been a head twisting mystery to the world! But their mere existence is a major threat to “Evil.” So, Evil has consistently attacked it to eradicate it from the earth. The very existence of the Jewish people is a witness testifying to the existence of God. Satan wants to eliminate the presence of God from this planet – so we have attacks on Israel and on Christianity throughout the history of the world – full blown plans of extermination – The Holocaust of World War 2 – The Roman persecution of Christian and Jews – the extermination of all Christians in Somalia and other Arab nations. The rejection of anything God in communist countries and the executions which accompanied this demonic belief system.
b. Why have we seen throughout history an antisemitic attitude to Israel and the Jewish people? Because of their connection to God – because they were the chosen vessel to be the central conduit and instrument for the fulfillment of God’s plans and purpose for the world.
i. Salvation would come through this nation -deliverance from evil would come through this nation.
c. Do you see it! The hatred is connected to Jesus – Jesus was the means God chose to manifest himself to the world – if you have seen Jesus, you have seen the Father – with Jesus’ death and resurrection would come the unleashing of the presence and the power of God onto the whole world and onto and into individuals hearts and minds! See Acts 2!
i. It’s for all people – all nations – all races and cultures.
c. But be aware the enemy of God – Also called the “Father of Lies” - fights against this truth to distort it and invert it to get back at God.
i. Romans 1 explains how the enemy distorts the natural order of things created by God to distort and pervert God’s creation.
ii. The enemy of Israel is an enemy of Christianity, and he has been called the Red Dragon, the Prince of Darkness, Beelzebub, Lucifer, Lord of the flies, Satan and the Devil. So many names but the same spiritual entity at war with God and His people. He has been active on this earth since the fall wreaking havoc on the plans of God, and the people of God.
1. So, we find “Evil” “The Opposer” “The Destroyer” at work in this world and in the ancient world to destroy the work of God. To seek to de-rail the plans and purposes of God for all nations and for all individuals.
a. That plan -to have a personal relationship with the God! To have Him dwell in their hearts like he did in the Temple and tabernacle of the OT.
iii. Point: In the Story of the Bible – we discover the Story of God and the opposition of God by “Satan” a fallen Cherubim angel!
1. God desires to bless the people – Satan desires to destroy the people created in the image of God – he hates anything that looks or bears witness of God – by the way today we see “The Father of Lies” stealing young people’s God given identity away – why he wants to distort and steal away anything that looks like God’s image – so we have the attack on marriage, the church, the sexual identity of people today and the list goes on!
a. It is rooted in the spiritual battle of “Good” and “Evil.”
2. I say all this to preface 1 Samuel 12 because the Nation of Israel has crossed over to be like other nations of the world and to distance themselves from what God had intentionally set them up to be!
a. God was their King, and they rejected his leadership!
b. People are still doing this today!
d. Thus, as we investigate the changing of a nation from a theocracy to monarchy, we see the battle raging for the Testimony of God – for the presence of God – for the connection to God.
i. The “Deceiver” will now go after the Kings of Israel as we will see in the history of Israel - to pervert the nation of Israel away from God and His ways!
1. The Father of lies will encourage “Idolatry” which is connected to many sexual sins and lifestyles.
ii. Some kings will start out strong and end up deceived and distorted by evil, but some will remain faithful to the good and reject the Evil.
1. Some will fall but repent and be forgiven – this is the process of salvation and connection to God repentance – asking for His forgiveness and following His Word.
iii. This spiritual battle is still raging today for the hearts of many nations and for many individuals!
1. Don’t miss this point – this message – these warnings.
T.S. - The 3 warnings noted above apply to nations and to individuals and we also learned why the nation of Israel is hated so badly. But Scripture has examples of men who lived honorable lives and lead as good godly leaders like our hero Samuel.
II. Samuel lived an honorable life as a leader being a Judge, a Priest and a Prophet of God.
a. He is known for the following:
i. His miraculous birth.
ii. His dedication at the Temple and to God at a young age by his mother Hannah.
iii. His divine call to serve God. Eli even recognizes God’s call on Samuel.
iv. His hearing the voice of God at 12 years old when his mentor Eli did not.
v. His speaking the Word of the Lord to Eli at 12 declaring the judgment of God on Eli’s family and losing their designated role in the Tabernacle and in the worship of God.
vi. He was the last judge of Israel.
vii. He was the first prophet of Israel.
viii. He replaced Eli as priest and the representative of God in the Tabernacle and to the nation of Israel.
ix. He is known for starting the school of the prophets in his time.
x. He called Israel to forsake sin and return to God and they heeded his call to repent. He therefore led Israel in national repentance.
xi. He led in battle against the Philistines and won.
xii. He was a historian of Israel’s history.
xiii. He anointed the first two kings of Israel.
xiv. He dethroned the first king of Israel!
xv. He finished strong!
1. Samuel was one of those leaders for Israel who stayed true to God! But we will soon discover Saul the new king will yield to the influence of “Evil” and reject the Spirit of God which had come upon him as we explored last week – but the Spirit of God would soon depart the new anointed king for failing to stay true to God!
2. Saul will fall into the trap of evil like many others to come after him:
a. Saul will not Listen to God = Therefore he loses the Blessings of God and the Spirit of God.
b. Saul will ignore God = therefore deception by the forces of Evil will take control of his life and reign and he will lose it.
c. Saull’s rebellion against God = will open The Judgment of God on him - this will cost him his reign, his position and his soul– he will suffer severe consequences. So will his family and nation.
i. But we also learn of a man who will remain faithful to God and lead with dignity and honor!
ii. Samuel is that leader – we need to learn from his leadership and his heart for God.
b. Samuel was a great Godly leader but with his leadership role also came leadership pain which we see come out in this chapter and also from chapter 8.
i. Many crave leadership positions with a delusion of grandeur! If I am the leader this place would grow, prosper, run more efficiently! If I was the leader this community would have its needs met. Some even overrate themselves in their leadership and do not have a clue on how to be a good Godly leader.
1. They miss the point of Jesus in John 13 of being servant leaders.
ii. But let me be clear – let me warn you - Leadership has a counter reaction which comes with it – it’s called Leadership Pain – just ask any leader! The position of leadership always has the reality of leadership pain attached to it! It comes with leading – it just does! Lead anyway!
iii. The greatest leader of all time was Jesus, and his own disciples abandoned him – ran away – denied him and people crucified him! Leadership carries the mantle of pain with it.
1. In the Bible, Jesus warns that those who follow him will experience the same persecution that he did, in John 15:20, which says, "If they persecuted me, they would also persecute you".
a. Jesus warned us that leading for the Kingdom brought him pain, should we expect anything less? No, we should expect leadership pain and use it as a means to grow wiser and more mature in Christ.
2. Observation: When you lead pain will attack you from every angle that you can imagine – though criticism – to betrayal – to denial – to gossip behind your back – to mistakes – to misunderstandings - leadership pain will come from people you invest in – Some people will attack you character and leadership decisions. People will also stab you in the back. They will gossip about you and say how you failed to be a great leader! But pain – this leadership pain will cause you to grow – spiritually and in your leadership skills. Growth comes from pain by the way!
3. Listen to these quotes from Samuel Chand!
c. Leadership Pain “Quotes” – By Samuel Chand
i. “Growth equals change; change equals loss; loss equals pain; so inevitably, growth equals pain.” ? Samuel Chand, Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth
ii. “Pain is a part of progress. Anything that grows experiences some pain. If I avoid all pain, I’m avoiding growth.” ? Samuel Chand, Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth
iii. “Difficulties are God’s curriculum for those who want to excel.” ? Samuel Chand, Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth
iv. “Reluctance to face pain is your greatest limitation. There is no growth without change, no change without loss, and no loss without pain.”? Samuel Chand, Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth
v. “Change only happens when our level of desire (or actually desperation) rises above the level of our fears.” ? Samuel Chand, Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth
vi. “You’ll grow only to the threshold of your pain.” ? Samuel Chand, Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth
vii. “Never trust a leader who doesn’t walk with a limp. —DR. J. ROBERT CLINTON” ? Samuel Chand, Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth
viii. “Pain. If you’re not hurting, you’re not leading. Your vision for the future has to be big enough to propel you to face the heartaches and struggles you’ll find along the way.” ? Samuel Chand, Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth
ix. “As we lead organizations—businesses, nonprofits, and churches—size doesn’t matter as much as another crucial factor. The biggest difference between leaders of large organizations and small organizations isn’t their location, the size of their building, the scope of the vision, the number of staff members, or their talent. In fact, some of the best leaders I’ve ever met have small organizations. But in all my consulting and conferences, I’ve seen a single factor: leaders of larger organizations have proven they can handle more pain.” ? Samuel Chand, Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth
1. So, the point of today’s message from 1 Samuel 12 is leadership pain is the path to growth – both emotionally and spiritually! So, embrace the pain of leadership! Jesus himself said be aware if they persecuted me, they would do the same to you!
2. Do yourself a favor expect pain while leading!
T.S. – Samuel was a great godly leader, but he too faced the pain of leadership as we all should. It comes with the territory, but people need to lead if we want breakthrough for our nation, communities and families.
III. The exegetical diagnosis of Samuel’s Farewell Speech 1 Samuel 12
a. We will look at the Scripture verse by verse:
i. 1 Samuel 12: 1 Samuel said to all Israel, “I have listened to everything you said to me and have set a king over you. 2 Now you have a king as your leader. As for me, I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have been your leader from my youth until this day. 3 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? If I have done any of these, I will make it right.”
1. Samuel pours his pain out to Israel – you rejected my leadership – you do not want me leading you so who have I wronged – please speak up and I will make it right? The nation’s response:
ii. 1 Samuel 12: 4 “You have not cheated or oppressed us,” they replied. “You have not taken anything from anyone’s hand.” 5 Samuel said to them, “The LORD is witness against you, and also his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is witness,” they said.
1. Samuel struggling with the pain of rejection by Israel makes it clear he never did anything wrong to be rejected by them – recall God has already told Samuel – he is not the problem – the people are rejecting God not him – but he is still struggling with the pain of rejection which comes with the position of leadership.
2. Jesus said, "Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me" in Luke 10:16.
3. “Success is not measured by what you accomplish but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds. —ORISON SWETT M” ? Samuel Chand, Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth
4. “There is nothing in the world as wonderful as knowing that everything is right with you and the Father, knowing you are forgiven and clean. I don’t mean knowing that you’re going to heaven when you die. I mean knowing that everything in your past and present is in the open. You’ve brought everything into the light. You aren’t hiding anything from God or anyone else.” ? Samuel Chand, Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth
a. Samuel needs fresh perspective about what is happening in Israel – they want a king – God tells him prior they have always wanted a King to be like the other nations! Samuel it’s not about you God said – it’s about the shortfall in their hearts to follow God. They have been like this since I delivered them out of Egypt!
b. Samuel eyes are being open in this painful moment! He is growing in his leadership – he is growing in God – if you’re a leader you will face this pain of betrayal and rejection – trust me I know – it will hurt – deep within your soul – but push through the pain to the call God has given you – Samuel thinks he is done but he is not done as we shall see over the rest of the book – He has more leading to do for the nation of Israel and for God.
5. “Without a fresh perspective about pain, a compelling vision, and a clear plan, every heartache has the potential to stop you in your tracks.” ? Samuel Chand, Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth
6. “At some point, you’ll stop seeing pain as the enemy and make peace with it. Like Paul, you’ll see pain as a surprising source of strength. God’s power, Paul learned, “is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).” ? Samuel Chand, Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth
7. “Adversity is the diamond dust Heaven polishes its jewels with. —THOMAS CARLYLE” ? Samuel Chand, Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth
8. Samuel takes the focus off his hurt and pain to reveal the truth of the wicked hearts of the people of Israel – He is now speaking for God!
iii. 1 Samuel 12: 6 Then Samuel said to the people, “It is the LORD who appointed Moses and Aaron and brought your forefathers up out of Egypt. 7 Now then, stand here, because I am going to confront you with evidence before the LORD as to all the righteous acts performed by the LORD for you and your fathers. 8 “After Jacob entered Egypt, they cried to the LORD for help, and the LORD sent Moses and Aaron, who brought your forefathers out of Egypt and settled them in this place. 9 “But they forgot the LORD their God; so he sold them into the hand of Sisera, the commander of the army of Hazor, and into the hands of the Philistines and the king of Moab, who fought against them. 10 They cried out to the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned; we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and the Ashtoreths. But now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, and we will serve you.’ 11 Then the LORD sent Jerub-Baal (Gideon), Barak, Jephthah and Samuel (Samson), and he delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, so that you lived securely.
1. Samuel speaking for God presenting the faithfulness of God as their leader – Samuel can say this because he is in connection with God – he has a relationship with God – they communicate to each other – He reveals the problem with their choice for a King – it’s their lack of faith – having hearts toward God!
iv. 1 Samuel 12: 12 “But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we want a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king.
1. Fear will cause you to reject God and His ways!
2. Samuel calls them on the carpet and tells them – you keep not trusting God to deliver you – this is why you wanted a King – you thought a king could protect you from the Ammonites – not God – who is your king – you have such a lack of faith and trust in God! It’s not my leadership that is the problem it’s your lack of faith in God to protect you – you think a man can do this better than God can!
3. He gives a strong WARNING!
v. 1 Samuel 12: 13 Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you asked for; see, the LORD has set a king over you. 14 If you fear the LORD and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the LORD your God—good! 15 But if you do not obey the LORD, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was against your fathers.
1. Samuel makes it plain – if you and the King follow God great – He will protect you but if either of you reject God and His truth and refuse to follow His ways God will revolt against you and judge you for your sin of rejection!
2. Samuel – then decided to give them a sign that he is speaking for God and not for himself – Here is a sign from God! To open your yes that this message is from God!
vi. 1 Samuel 12: 16 “Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes! 17 Is it not wheat harvest now? I will call upon the LORD to send thunder and rain. And you will realize what an evil thing you did in the eyes of the LORD when you asked for a king.” 18 Then Samuel called upon the LORD, and that same day the LORD sent thunder and rain. So, all the people stood in awe of the LORD and of Samuel.
1. The people stood in awe of God but did not repent for rejecting God’s leadership! God displayed his power and made it clear he will judge them if they walk away from Him. Can you imagine this scene?
vii. 1 Samuel 12:19 The people all said to Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for your servants so that we will not die, for we have added to all our other sins the evil of asking for a king.”
1. Notice what the people of Israel said “Pray to your God – not their God – they still have a faith problem – they don’t want to die but they still don’t buy into God 100%!
viii. 1 Samuel 12: 20 “Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD but serve the LORD with all your heart. 21 Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 22 For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own.
1. Samuel reassures them that they are God’s chosen people so throwaway the useless idols! Warning again to fear God! God will still use then to be the conduit to fulfill his plan and purpose for the world and for all the nations!
ix. I Samuel 12: 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25 Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away.”
1. Observation: The following taken from https://scripturalthinking.com/examples-of-honesty-in-the-bible/
a. Samuel’s Faithful Leadership is acknowledged at the end of his life by Israel and God. He was and still is a remarkable leader – he speaks the truth of God’s Word – he warns the people - his faithfulness and integrity had a lasting impact. At the end of his national leadership role, Samuel gathers the Israelites and makes a powerful request – have I wronged you as your leader?
b. He asks them to bear witness and testify against him if he has wronged or taken advantage of anyone during his time as their leader. This is a leadership moment – could you imagine at the end of a presidency or a senator or congressman making a statement like this?
c. So how did the people respond? His request is met with resounding affirmation and serves as a testament to Samuel’s unwavering commitment to honesty and justice.
i. We too need to live and serve with honesty and integrity!
d. Samuel’s faithful leadership highlights the importance of integrity in guiding and inspiring others. Leaders who prioritize honesty not only gain the trust and respect of those they lead but also create an environment of transparency and accountability.
i. Samuel’s request for affirmation reflects the deep-rooted trust he cultivated among the Israelites, resulting in their unwavering support.
1. In a world often characterized by deception and corruption, Samuel’s example serves as a beacon of hope and a call for leaders to prioritize authenticity and honesty.
2. Whether in politics, business, or any other realm of leadership, the affirmation of honesty, like Samuel’s, can propel individuals and communities towards a brighter and more just future.
3. “Judge me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.” – Psalm 26:1
Conclusion: What do we learn from this message!
• Leadership comes with pain but lead anyway!
• Do not choose men to lead you but God to lead you! If you chose men over God then there will always be a price to pay!
• Be careful what you ask for! You may get it!
• Always be a leader led by God and filled with His Spirit – it’s the Spirit which empowers you to succeed not your own wisdom and strength!
• Always lead like Samuel with integrity and honesty! Do not allow yourself to become dishonest and corrupt! Be true to your word!
• Stay connected to God – do not worship idols – stay committed to God’s truth!
Application on leadership from our Scripture section today: Leadership Lessons from Samuel
Samuel’s faithful leadership offers valuable lessons for both current and aspiring leaders:
1. Lead by example:
a. Samuel’s personal commitment to honesty and justice set the standard for those entrusted to his leadership. By embodying the values, they seek to instill in others, leaders can inspire and motivate their followers.
2. Build trust:
a. Samuel’s request for affirmation demonstrates the trust he garnered through his consistent display of integrity. Leaders who prioritize open communication, transparency, and ethical decision-making create an environment of trust, fostering strong relationships and encouraging collaboration.
3. Take responsibility:
a. Samuel’s willingness to be held accountable for any wrongdoing is a testament to his humility and willingness to learn. Leaders who take responsibility for their actions and seek to rectify any mistakes gain the respect and admiration of their team members.
4. Nurture a sense of purpose:
a. Samuel’s servant leadership positioned the needs of the people above his own. Leaders who prioritize the mission and vision of their organization, and who actively work towards the betterment of their team members, cultivate a strong sense of purpose and commitment.
b. Make sure when you lead – because at some point you will – you lead like Samuel!
