IMITATE THEIR FAITH

"Samuel Called to Jehovah"

Did that mean, though,that the Israelites followed Samuel's lead and became spiritual, faithful people?  No. In time, they decided that they did not want  a mere prophet to judge them.  They wanted to be like other  nations and have a human king rule over them.  At Jehovah's direction, Samuel complied.  But he had to convey to Israel the magnitude of their sin.  They were rejoicing, not a mere man, but Jehovah himself!  So he summoned the people of Gilgal.  

Let us rejoin him in that tense  moment of addressing  Israel at Gilgal.  There, elderly Samuel reminded Israel of his faithful record of integrity.  then, we read:  "Samuel called to Jehovah."  He asked Jehovah for a thunderstorm. - 1 Samuel 12:17, 18.

A thunderstorm?  In the dry season? Why, such a thing was unheard of! If there was even a trace of skepticism or scoffing among the people, it did not last long.  The sky suddenly darkened with clouds.  The winds battered the wheat in the fields. The rain fell.  The response?  "The people were greatly in fear of Jehovah and of Samuel." At least, they saw how seriously they had sinned. - 1 Samuel 12:18, 19. 

Not Samuel, but his God, Jehovah, had reached their rebellious hearts.  From his youth to his old age, Samuel put his faith in his God. And Jehovah rewarded him.  To this day, Jehovah has not changed. He still supports those who imitate the faith of Samuel. 

Next time: HOW CAN YOU COMBAT  Negative Feelings? 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2010