Every Leader Needs a Protector

After David escaped from King Saul (see the “Making Your Exit” post), he went to Samuel at Ramah (1 Sam. 19:18-24). Saul heard about it and sent men to apprehend David. The Spirit of God came upon Saul’s men and they prophesied. In this state, they could not arrest David. This happened two more times before Saul, himself, went to Ramah. The Spirit of God came upon him, too, and he found himself prophesying alongside the prophets.

Samuel was a powerful ally and protector of David. We sometimes need a Samuel in our lives who can shield us from life’s dangers. One of my Samuels was my senior pastor when I started out in pastoral ministry. He shielded me from some of the flak that might have taken out a young leader. I still need these kinds of people in my life. However, I also realize that I must be a Samuel to others who might benefit from my influence.