1 Samuel 2: Generation Hope

1 Samuel 2:26
'And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men'.

Samuel was born in a time of social and moral slump where everyone did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). Even religious leadership led by Eli and his sons were so perverse that they provided no hope of renewal. Yet, in the midst of a dark period, this boy, Samuel as mentioned in 1 Sam 2:26 went against the current wave of immorality and instead grew in godliness and righteousness, gaining favour both with God and men. Wow...how on earth can a youth be so different from his own culture and environment?

When we look at both chapter 1& 2, we know that Samuel was born of godly parents; a father whom without fail fulfills his religious obligations (1:3-4) and a godly mother who dedicated him to the Lord even before his birth. A child of God-fearing parents became a much needed spiritual leader for the people of his time.

Likewise today, in our country where we are experiencing our own 'dark age', we need young Samuels to bring hope and change. I pray that God will prepare godly parents or 'spiritual fathers' or 'spiritual mothers' who are willing to dedicate their children or those under their care for the Lord's use. Even if there is only 1, perhaps that all that we need.