Samuel

Last week, we looked at Samson, who was Israel’s final judge in the book of Judges. But right after that time, a man named Samuel is raised by God to serve as the last judge (1st Samuel 7:5-6, 15-16) and the anointer of the kings (1st Samuel 10 & 16) who would rule over God’s people in the judges’ place. He was also the first prophet (1st Samuel 3:20) and a Nazarite (1st Samuel 1:11) like Samson.
Samuel’s birth was miraculous (1st Samuel 1:1-20) and his place as an important man in Israel began when he was very young! You see, when his mother Hannah couldn’t have children, she prayed to God asking for a son. She promised that the boy, if given to her by God, would be given back to Him.
1st Samuel 1:11b | He will be yours for his entire lifetime…
But that didn't guarantee that Samuel would choose to follow God.
Join us as we look at the life of Samuel and what we can learn from him.

Discussion
Would you say you have your own relationship with Jesus or is it one that your family/leaders want for you? What is the difference?
What does a life sold out to Jesus practically look like? Based off your response would you say you are walking worthy of that calling? Why?
Following Jesus can be hard at times and the Lord might ask you to go to places, people, situations you might not otherwise be comfortable with.
Can you give an example of a time you were called by the Lord to a tough situation?
How did your relationship with the Lord strengthen through the trial?
How do you plan to put your faith into action today?
Judges 11:2b "When these half brothers grew up, they chased Jephthah off the land. “You will not get any of our father’s inheritance,” they said [for you are the son of another woman]. "
Jephthah’s own family rejects him and he runs away from his brothers to the land of Tob.
You may have guessed that if Jephthah is going to become Israel’s judge, they must be in trouble. The Bible says—Judges 11:4 | At about this time, the Ammonites began their war against Israel.

The Ammonites were very cruel oppressors. Throughout the Old Testament we see their shockingly inhumane practices. It must have been pretty bad because —Judges 11:5-6 | When the Ammonites attacked, the elders of Gilead sent for Jephthah in the land of Tob. The elders said, “Come and be our commander! Help us fight the Ammonites!”

The leaders of Gilead want Jephthah the mighty warrior! This seems like a great opportunity for Jephthah, right? But Jephthah is like, ‘not so fast.’

Thankfully, there's more to this story! Join us!