BIBLICAL ELI AND SAMUEL IN THEIR MULTIPLE MINISTERIAL DUTIES.
By
Adedokun Nehemiah Adeseun,
BIBLE-BASED BAPTIST CHURCH,
Ilero Road, Iganna,
Iwajowa Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria.
WhatsApp No:- 08066740105
Email Address:- seuntunrayodokun@gmail.com
INTRODUCTION:-
Definition of Bi-Vocational:- Bi-Vocational is an adjective word which erupted from the word Bi-Vocation and this word “Bi-Vocation” in a simple term denotes Bi-Profession. This implies two different work or two different occupations or two different jobs which are being practised together by a person. Bi-Vocational simply means “pertaining to Bi-Vocation, or concerning Bi-Vocation”. Now the word “Bi-Vocational” means “anything which is related with two different work or job or occupation”. Bi-Vocational is “of Double occupations”. The Church Workers of double vocations as Levites are still relevant. The acts of Bi-vocational Church workers has their base in the scriptures because it has been a practice since nearly the beginning of the creation to the era of Jesus Christ and His Apostles, even till this contemporary period, there is manifestation of the practice of double vocations by Pastors and other Church workers as Levites. We should observe two biblical Ministers of God that involved in double vocations in their times as below.
THE FOUR PROFESSIONS OF ELI AND SAMUEL
Eli served as an Israelites’ Priest of his time. He acted as the Ruler of Israel of his lifetime. He judged in Israel as a Nation Justice and he led as Commander-in-Chief of Army-staff. Then, he (Eli) and his household enjoyed their welfare from the sacrifices and offerings which the Israelites brought into the services of the Lord. But Eli (the Priest) failed to train and disciple his children morally and spiritually, his two sons (Hophni and Phinehas) became wicked, rudes and violent against the Israelites, the Israelites rejected Eli’s sons in the leadership of the land of Israel, God backed up the rejection of the Eli’s sons of Israelites by proclamation of rejection onto the whole household of Eli and his life generation by destruction from the mouth of Samuel. The fulfillment of Eli’s household destruction began by the untimely death of the sons of Eli (Hophni and Phinehas) followed by the untimely death of Eli himself (I Samuel Chapter 1 – 4).
Samuel like Eli, he did well right from around age two of his lifetime. He also served the Israelites as Priest and Prophet, and as ruler of Israel nation (i. e. national leader), and Judge in Israel and as Commander-in-Chief of Army-staff of Israel and as intermediary between God and Saul (the first King of Israel). And the whole household of Samuel’s welfare was catered for through the sacrifices and offerings which the Israelites each regularly brought to God. Though, Samuel’s failure was that his children were wicked, rude and violent against the Israelites because Samuel didn’t educate his children morally and spiritually (I and II Samuel).
Therefore, one could see that:-
1. As Eli was a PRIEST in the Israelites’ Nation, likewise Samuel.
2. As Eli was professional in leadership (as a RULER) likewise Samuel.
3. As Eli was appointed as JUDGE in Israel of his time, the same happened to Samuel.
4. Eli was the COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF ARMY-STAFF of Israel of his time, likewise Samuel too.
Conclusion:
All these proves that:-
i. Both Eli and Samuel served God and the Israel nation with four different professions.
ii. A Minister of God could be empowered, talented and skillful in more than a profession for the growth, development and edification of gospel of Jesus Christ in the Church and society in which the Church is found.
So, being a Bi-Vocational Minister shouldn’t be a abomination.
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