Anesti Ministries

Samuel: Israel’s faithful judge.

Even though the ark had returned to Israel, God’s presence had not. The people’s hearts were still far from God. After 20 years of silence, God sent Samuel to deliver His people. Many judges who led Israel were military deliverers but their lives did not end well. Samuel was Israel’s last judge who served faithfully until the end of his life. His role is a foreshadow of Jesus Christ; our priest, prophet and king. Samuel’s ministry teaches us many lessons on Godly leadership.

Prophet: Godly leaders bring people closer to the Lord by leading them to repentance. Repentance is the first step to intimacy with the Lord. Repentance requires 3 things. First, getting rid of your old habits that do not please God. Second, pursuing the things that are on God’s heart. And third, serving God by prioritising Him in your life.

Priest: Godly leaders intercede on behalf of God’s people in times of trouble. They lead others into greater dependence on God through prayer. God will fight our battles when we draw near to Him. Samuel brought deliverance by crying out to the Lord. The act of pouring water was a symbol of the people pouring out their hearts before the Lord in repentance. The burnt offering atoned for sin and restored the people’s relationship with God (Leviticus 1). The lamb being sacrificed reminded Israel of the punishment they deserved for their disobedience. Jesus is our high priest who makes intercession for us (Romans 8:34). He is the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). The burnt offering points to His sacrifice on the cross that restored our relationship with God.

King: Godly leaders lead others to walk in obedience to God. Samuel was not a military commander, but He brought peace to Israel by pursuing intimacy with God. The invading Philistine forces were subdued and cities previously lost were recaptured. There was also peace with the Amorites who lived within the borders of Israel. Proverbs 16:7 tells us that when we walk in obedience to the Lord, He will supernaturally bring peace into our relationships.

Samuel led the nation to walk in obedience to the Lord. He chose specific locations to remind the Israelites of God’s faithfulness. At Bethel, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel and God promised to give the land to his offspring (Genesis 35:1-15). At Gilgal, the people renewed their covenant with God before entering the promise land (Joshua 5:8-12). At Mizpah, Israel’s relationship with God was restored and God supernaturally delivered them from their enemies.

Ministry flows from intimacy.

Godly leaders must continually cultivate their personal relationship with the Lord. Despite his great responsibility as the nation’s leader, Samuel continued to live a life of worship. He built an altar of worship to the Lord in Ramah. Ministry is an overflow of our private worship with the Lord. Ministry can never be a substitute for intimacy. Preparing for Bible study cannot replace your personal devotion with the Lord. Preparing for worship cannot replace personal time in the Lord’s presence. If you want to end well, guard your personal relationship with the Lord.