In the character of Samuel we see reflected the likeness of Christ. It was the purity of our Saviour's life that provoked the wrath of Satan. That life was the light of the world, and 608 revealed the hidden depravity in the hearts of men. It was the holiness of Christ that stirred up against Him the fiercest passions of falsehearted professors of godliness. Christ came not with the wealth and honors of earth, yet the works which He wrought showed Him to possess power greater than that of any human prince. The Jews looked for the Messiah to break the oppressor's yoke, yet they cherished the sins that had bound it upon their necks. Had Christ cloaked their sins and applauded their piety, they would have accepted Him as their king; but they would not bear His fearless rebuke of their vices. The loveliness of a character in which benevolence, purity, and holiness reigned supreme, which entertained no hatred except for sin, they despised. Thus it has been in every age of the world. The light from heaven brings condemnation on all who refuse to walk in it. When rebuked by the example of those who hate sin, hypocrites will become agents of Satan to harass and persecute the faithful. "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12.

Kristi karakter er afspejlet i Samuel. Det var Frelserens rene liv, der vakte Satans vrede. Hans liv var verdens lys, og det afslørede den ondskab, som var skjult i menneskenes hjerte. Det var Kristi hellighed, der fik de heftigste lidenskaber hos de falske gudsbekendere til at blusse op. Kristus var ikke omgivet af jordisk rigdom og ære, men hans gerninger vidnede om, at han besad større magt end nogen jordisk fyrste. Jøderne ventede, at Messias skulle bryde undertrykkernes åg, men til trods herfor blev de ved med at begå de synder, som var skyld i, at dette åg var blevet lagt på deres nakke. Hvis Kristus havde dækket over deres synder og rost dem for deres fromhed, ville de have valgt ham til konge, men de ville ikke finde sig i, at han frygtløst irettesatte dem for deres laster. De foragtede en person, hvis karakter var så fin, at godhed, renhed og hellighed beherskede den fuldstændig, og hvis eneste had gjaldt synden. Sådan har det været gennem hele verdens historie. Lyset fra Himmelen fordømmer alle dem, der ikke vil vandre i det. Hyklerne føler sig krænket over, at der findes mennesker, som lever et rent liv og hader synden. Det piner dem i en sådan grad, at de bliver Satans redskaber og begynder at plage og forfølge de trofaste. "Sådan skal også alle de, som vil leve et gudfrygtigt liv i Kristus Jesus, blive forfulgt." 2. Tim. 3, 12.