Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Saul answered, “I am in great distress, for the Philistines are warring against me, and God has turned away from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or by dreams. Therefore I have summoned you to tell me what I shall do.” – 1 Samuel 28:15 (ESV)
In this sermon, we reflect on the life of Samuel, a man whose faith and obedience to God were so steadfast that his voice carried beyond the grave. Born as an answer to his mother Hannah’s fervent prayers, Samuel was dedicated to God’s service from childhood and became prophet, priest, and judge over Israel. Called in a time when visions were rare, Samuel faithfully delivered God’s truth regardless of personal cost, a reminder that ministry is about the message, not the messenger. His story also warns against pride and disobedience, illustrated in King Saul’s tragic downfall when he sought guidance from a medium and was confronted by Samuel one last time. Through Samuel’s example, we are challenged to examine our own hearts—will we persist in our own way like Saul, or humbly surrender to God’s will and remain faithful to His call? The message is clear: obedience to God leads to life, while pride leads to destruction. (Sermon by Pastor Ray Keeton, shared by Corey Everhart)