1 Samuel 8:1-5“When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders. The name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second was Abijah, and they served at Beersheba. But his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice. So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.”
Preparation is a major factor to consider anytime you want to succeed in life. Talking about success without preparation won’t bring any results. The Bible reveals this great truth about the prophet Samuel and his two sons, Joel and Abijah. Samuel, being a prophet and the leader of Israel grew old and therefore needed to hand over his mandate.
Abijah and Joel were considered and appointed, but their lack of preparation made them incompetent, weak and corrupt in the process. Although, they might be the right folks, they were rejected by the people they ought to lead because they did not have what it takes – in terms of character and integrity to lead. They missed their opportunity to be the successors of their father.
Today, the world is still suffering from the Joel and Abijah syndrome. In fact, the possible candidates for some noble positions are not in shape for the work. They have not prepared their character, they have not learnt the excellent ways of the person they ought to replace, and some too lack the wisdom to lead.
You see, no matter how you will see it one day you will have to take a responsibility from someone. You will become a father, a mother, a pastor, a teacher, in fact, the lot will fall on you to lead whiles the rest of the majority must follow.
What can they be assured of? will your character fail them, will the love of money mess your judgement, or will they opt for another leader because you lack what it takes to be a blessing?
Beloved, you may be the next person to take a crucial mandate in your family, church, country or work place. Prepare enough, so that you don’t fail and disappoint God and all others that invested in you
READ: Ezekiel 38:7, “You [Gog] be prepared; prepare yourself, you and all your hordes that are assembled around you, and be a guard and a lookout for them.”
RHEMA From Heaven 