Read 1 Samuel 3:11-21

Don’t Be Afraid to Tell the Truth

The word of the Lord came to Samuel; God said, “Behold I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle” (1 Samuel 3:11). To use an expression which we might hear today, He was going to do something that was going to send chills up and down the spine of everyone who heard about it.

Because of the sins of Eli’s sons, God was going to “judge his house forever.” Their iniquity was not something they had kept hidden from Eli; he was aware of their shortcomings but failed to correct them or discipline them. “And therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever” (1 Samuel 3:14). They were too far gone to come back now.

Can you imagine Samuel’s reaction to this revelation? Remember, according to 1 Samuel 3:1, inspiration tells us that “the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation.” And now Samuel received bad news about his mentor, Eli. It is no surprise then that “Samuel was afraid to tell Eli the vision” (1 Samuel 3:15). “So Samuel lay down until morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD” (1 Samuel 3:15). Had he slept a wink? Or did he simply lay there, rehearsing his conversation with Eli, fearing his reaction?

What happened after he got out of bed? He got busy doing his chores, of course! I imagine he busied himself to avoid Eli most of the day. Perhaps he repeated the same tasks over and over just so he wouldn’t have to face Eli and the question that he knew he would ask. Eventually, though, he would have to speak to him

“What is the word that the LORD spoke to you? Please do not hide it from me. God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the things that He said to you” (1 Samuel 3:17). Despite his fear, Samuel answered truthfully. “Then Samuel told him everything, and hid nothing from him” (1 Samuel 3:18). How difficult that must have been!

Do you face the same difficulty today? When you need to confront a close friend or a family member about the way they are living which may be in opposition to God’s revealed truth? Don’t be afraid! Muster up the courage of Samuel! Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!