Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Blameless and Exemplary Leader
Read 1 Samuel 12:1-25

"Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away." 1 Samuel 12:25

Many leaders in our world today start right but end badly. We think of the television evangelists of America and even the secular government heads of many Asian countries. They are tempted by the power and good things life suddenly places on their laps. It is such an irony that such blessings can often become a curse. Corruption is usually the end result and in many cases leads to their downfall.

We read today of a very different leader. From his youth till old age, Samuel was a blameless and exemplary leader. All the Israelites could attest to that.

Now we see another aspect of a true leader. On that day when the people were all in praise of his leadership record, he was not taken in by their adulation. We observe that, as we age, we are usually in the vulnerable position of needing security in the favour and acceptance of those around us. Second childhood, we might say. But not old Sam! Immediately, he boldly told the people that they had not faithfully kept the commands of God. He reprimanded them; their request for a king was sinful after all that God had done on their behalf in the past. Samuel was certainly not afraid to confront the people.

He reminded them of the leadershp of Moses and Aaron, their great ancestors. Ironically, in God's eyes, the man standing before them was just as great. Psalm 99:6 records the three of them, Moses, Aaron and Samuel, as people who called upon the Lord and obtained His personal response.

The end of one's 'reign' is more important then the beginning, as it shows how graciously and humbly one passes on the baton.

Pray for the leaders of your nation to be free, not only from giving in to the temptation of corruption but to fight corruption boldly.