THE TALE OF TWO SAMS
Isaiah 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
1 Samuel 16:13 – “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.”
Psalms 133:1-2 – “1How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! 2It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes.
God has gifted those who follow Jesus for ministry and great rewards are connected to doing His work. Leading others to a meaningful relationship with the Lord is Biblically fulfilling. Helping someone develop greater faith is spiritually satisfying. Readying converts for the coming of the Lord is personally enriching. Life becomes greatly blessed by blessing others. What makes this possible is God’s anointing.
Many thoughts are associated with the term. Through the Baptism in the Holy Spirit the church has an increased anointing to effectively and supernaturally communicate His story to the world. There is a direct correlation between the gift of the Holy Spirit and anointing. The Lord desires everyone to be filled with the Spirit.
Another focus is the sweet anointing that accompanies those who live in unity. When people are of one mind, one heart and one accord, the harmony produces a sweet spiritual fragrance of divine presence.
Believers want anointed church gatherings. Deeply moving events or activities are referred to as “anointed by the Holy Spirit.” The word is synonymous with something or someone having a special touch of God.
When someone becomes an ordained minister, they are examined to discover if God’s anointing is upon them. The Ordination Certificate in the Assemblies of God reads, “…having proved the Divine gift and calling of God.”
An element of caution is necessary. Anointing is not the sole criteria for ministry. Anointing speaks of divine attestation and supernatural ability. Anointing communicates consecration and blessing. Ministry also includes moral fiber and practical skill. Ministry comes out of integrity and needs to be done competently.
In the 1980’s the American church went through a season of scandal and public ridicule. Immoral actions were exposed, done by prominent people known for anointed ministry. One person refused help from their peers with the defense, “My ministry should not be hindered by man since it is still anointed by God.” The offense became intensified by failing to embrace the accountability factor.
The concept of anointing has also led to abuse. Wise credentialed ministers know their thoughts, motives and actions are not indisputable simply because “the Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” Human nature is very much involved in ministry. Those who disagree with a pastor sometimes get warned to not oppose the Lord’s anointed. The Biblical reference to “touch not the Lord’s anointed,” means to not wish ill, to intentionally harm or to seek their life.
Unfortunately people, professing Christ, have been vindictive towards prominent people who have made mistakes. They have wished ill-will and have personally found delight in public humiliation. They are as equally wrong as the offender.
Two Sams, recorded in Scripture, reveal some truths about anointing and the responsibilities associated with it. The two were similar, yet different. In their differences the heart of ministry is discovered. Their full names are Samson (Judges 13-16) and Samuel (1 Samuel 1-8).
The similarity of Samson and Samuel was God’s unmerited favor.
Both were born of barren women. Samson was born to a women married to Manoah. Samuel was born to Hannah. Neither were mothers; both desired a child.
Both births were an outgrowth of consecrated parents. When an angel pronounced his birth, Samson’s parents provided sacrifices to the Lord. Samuel’s mother, while weeping, also provided sacrifices to God.
Both children were under a divine vow. The parents of Samson agreed to the Nazarite vow. The mother of Samuel promised to dedicate him to the Lord’s service. Like Samson, Samuel never cut his hair.
Both were anointed by God’s Spirit. Scripture records: “…the LORD blessed him [Samson], and the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him….” (Judges 13:24-25) Scripture also records: “The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and He let none of his words fall….” (1 Samuel 3:19)
Both were Judges of Israel. Samson was the 14th Judge mentioned in the Bible. Samuel was the last Judge, just before King Saul.
Both had a divine calling. Their circumstances were identical. Their environment was the same and the anointing was evident. They were called by God to save Israel from the exact same enemy.
The difference of Samson and Samuel was the heart.
Samuel walked in the Spirit. He was submissive to his parent’s vow.
Samson walked in his own way. He treated his parent’s vow with contempt.
Samuel had a keen ear to the voice of God. The Lord called and Samuel responded by faith.
Samson chose his own doings and expected God to perform. “I want, Lord; do it!”
Samuel was self-giving. He was continually seeking the well-being of others. His concern was for God’s people. He was motivated to bring a solution to the nation’s oppression.
Samson was self-serving. He sought personal benefit from his situations. Battles against the enemy were personal. His actions demonstrated the desire, “I will win this one for me.” Events were prefaced with “I want this” and “get me that.”
Samuel was financially clean. He demonstrated good stewardship. Unlike the sons of Eli, he did not pilfer the sacrifices.
Samson was greedy. He gambled in hopes of financial gain. Seeking opportunity from God’s enemies, he made a wager, “Let me share a riddle….”
Samuel was ethical. His record is a testimony of fidelity.
Samson was immoral. His record is of promiscuity.
Samuel was a Scripture-keeper. He heeded the requirements of God’s word and was faithful to the end.
Samson was a Promise-breaker. He violated the three conditions of the Nazarite (Drank fermented drink; ate from something unclean; had his hair cut) and was morally bankrupt in the end.
Samuel was a team player. Others were involved when he went to battle.
Samson was a loner. He preferred to go by himself when he went to battle; others would simply be in the way. He did not want help or appreciate counsel.
Samuel sought the Lord at all times; Samson sought the Lord in crisis times. God used Samuel while Samson used God. If the Lord is only sought during crisis, He is being used, not loved.
The people experienced similar results but not the two Sams.
Israel gained deliverance through both men’s anointing. Samson and Samuel defeated the enemy. Both brought victory.
Although Israel gained freedom from oppression, the Sams did not reap the same results. The cost to Samson was dignity, honor and life. The book of Hebrews recognizes his faith but his life ended in disgrace. The reward to Samuel is the recognition of being the greatest Judge of all.
The anointing upon Samson was the very instrument that destroyed him. When used carelessly the touch of God is harmful. The difference between Samson and Samuel was the desires of their heart.
The measurement of ministry goes beyond divine anointing. While rendering service to the Lord a question must be answered: “Is God using me or am I using God?”
Ask yourself tough questions: “Is the ministry being done more like Samson or Samuel? Am I walking in my own way – self-centered, stubborn and greedy? Or, do I love God wholly, know Him intimately and serve Him solely? Am I a Scripture-keeper or a Promise-breaker?”
If motives are wrong and desires are not right, God’s anointing may bless the people but ruin the divinely-inspired servant. Ministry should be humbly done as a Samuel and not associated with the shortcomings of Samson.
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