After the king of Assyria sent Northern Israel into exile, he settled people from other nations in the towns of Samaria. Israel had been exiled as punishment for their grievous sins. But the Lord was still working to keep a witness to himself. When the Lord sent lions to attack the settlers, the king of Assyria received wise counsel and understood that the people needed to be taught to worship the God of Israel (26-27).

One unnamed priest was sent from exile back to Samaria to teach the settlers how to worship the Lord. What could one person do among so many people of different backgrounds and beliefs? But this priest remained in Bethel and faithfully taught the word of the Lord. It seems he did not succeed, because the people mixed worship of the Lord with worship of their own gods and idols (32-33). But a seed had been planted. Many years later, the Samaritans could hear the gospel from Jesus himself! (Jn 4:9-10)

Because the earth is always being “resettled” by a new generation of people who have not heard the gospel, Bible teachers are always needed; their influence is greater than we realize.
Application: Father, thank you for how you will use even one Bible teacher in idolatrous times. Help me be faithful to my calling to shine your light in the world.
One Word: One Bible teacher’s long-term influence