Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man. – 1 Samuel 2:26
You learned in grade school that when two lines are parallel, they extend in the same direction and are always equidistant, not meeting. Many theologians have written of parallels in the Bible, including with a number of passages of Scripture and even with some individuals. Obvious among some parallels are the Gospel accounts of the life of Jesus. Although viewed from different perspectives and written for the benefit of different readers, the accounts most generally serve to give you a deeper insight and understanding.
Though born many centuries apart, when you look at the early life of Samuel and that of Jesus, you will see parallels. Pastor, author, and the Director of the Center for Excellence in Preaching, Scott Hoezee, writes of the side-by-side picture of these two boys. “I would imagine that both Mary in Luke 2 and Hannah in 1 Samuel 2 looked at their sons with tears in their eyes. “ In this instance, he references the time that Mary found relief at locating her 12-year-old son in the temple after three days of likely panic. For Hannah, her tears would be over bringing her small son to serve in the temple of God.
Just as these mothers experienced these parallels, without knowing it, so did the two young boys. If today’s verse has a familiar ring, read Luke 2:52, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” As both of them approached adulthood, subsequent events would move their lives away from the parallel but yet within the supernatural will of God. Both of them submitted to the sovereignty of God. The Study and Obey Commentary states that Samuel “was faithful to God from childhood through death… a very positive influence over Israel and… a huge impact.” That summary also parallels Jesus.
Samuel and Jesus carried out their established courses of life with faithfulness, and God calls you to exhibit this same trait. They both faced trials and hardships. And they finished the race set before them. Rely on the Lord so the same may be said of you when the time comes. In the meantime, stay the course. The Lord is with you and the Holy Spirit will guide you. Persevere!
Today’s Verse: 1 Samuel 2:26
Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-8
4 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
