Unit 9, Session 2

Samson Was Born and Called (1 Samuel 1-3)

 

Dear families,

First Samuel 1–3 reveals God’s call of salvation and the response of faith that follows for all who belong to Him. In the dark of night, God called to Samuel and invited him to become His prophet who would shed the light of His words to His people. God’s call upon Samuel’s life is one that followers of Christ still respond to today: to trust in Him as the hope of salvation and to lead others to do the same.

How do we see God at work in Samuel’s life? How does trust in the Lord play a recurring role in this story?

Samuel was an answered prayer in his mother’s life. She spent years praying to God for a son whose life she promised to dedicate back to the Lord’s service. She allowed her precious son to grow up in the Lord’s house under the care and supervision of Eli the priest. It was Eli’s instructions to Samuel that prepared the young boy to receive the Word of the Lord and to share it as instructed. Though the call to repentance was not an easy message to share, Samuel did so and grew up to become a prophet. All of Israel knew he walked with the Lord.

From an early age, Samuel was brought up to recognize the Lord and His provision. From the prayers of Hannah to the instructions of Eli, Samuel was led in the ways of the Lord and responded to God’s call with open-handed faith. Samuel’s obedience flowed from His trust in the God of His salvation. He listened to God and dedicated his life to His service. Like Samuel, we can respond to God’s call by placing faith in Jesus, turning from sin, and proclaiming His truth to the world.

Consider the relationship between trust and obedience. Does your life reflect the truth that God’s ways are good and worthy of your trust? Lead the boys and girls in your care to see the fruit of a faith-filled life in service to God. Show them that, like Samuel, they can begin leading others to follow the Lord in faith.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: When we listen to God and follow Jesus’ example, He will show us the right way to go.
  • Younger Preschool: Like Samuel listened to God, we can listen to Jesus, who always shows us the right way to go.
  • Older Preschool: Samuel heard God’s voice and obeyed. Jesus perfectly obeyed God when He came to earth, died on the cross, and rose again to save people from their sin.
  • Kids: God called to Samuel, and Samuel responded. God calls peopleto turn from sin and follow Jesus. Everyone who responds by trusting in Jesus is saved from sin.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

  • Younger Preschool: How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over all He made.
  • Older Preschool: How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over all He made.
  • Kids: How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over His creation according to His perfect plan.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

  • Babies & Toddlers: God gives us all we need in Jesus. Philippians 4:19
  • Younger Preschool: My God will supply all your needs in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
  • Older Preschool: My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
  • Kids: My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

** Next week: The Ark Was Captured (1 Samuel 4-6)