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Samuel chapter 3 describes the most important moment in a person’s
life, the moment they respond to God’s calling. Looking back at my
own life, I am sure God called to me many times, but I failed to
hear. As the chapter begins, we learn several important things, “The
boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the
Word of the Lord was rare… Samuel was lying down in the temple…
Samuel did not yet know the Lord: the Word of the Lord had not yet
been revealed to him“.
It is likely that Samuel was now at the age of accountability. Even
though he was actively doing his religious duties, he had not yet
developed a personal relationship with God. Also, don’t miss his
location where he was called, “in
the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was“.
Parents do not make the mistake of believing your child will make
his own decision to follow Christ if he does not spend time in Gods
Word and with God’s people. Obviously God CAN speak to anyone
anywhere, but where are we most likely to respond?
“Then
the Lord called to Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am”, and he
ran to Eli.”
This tells us a lot about the relationship Samuel had with Eli. I
hope when my own children hear the voice of God it sounds like their
dad’s voice to them too. But Eli said, “I
did not call; go back and lie down“.
“Again
the Lord called”
and again Samuel went to Eli and again Eli sent him back to bed.
“The
Lord called Samuel a third time and Samuel got up and went to Eli…
then Eli realized the Lord was calling the boy“.
This time Eli tells the boy, “If
He calls you, say, “Speak for your servant is listening.” So
Samuel went and lay down in his place“.
He did exactly as Eli instructed and the Lord did speak to Samuel.
And the Lord said to Samuel,
“See I am about to do something that will make the ears of everyone
who hears of it tingle… I will carry out against Eli everything I
spoke against his family… because of the sin he knew about: his
sons made themselves detestable and he failed to restrain them“.
It is important to note that even though Eli was not a perfect
parent, God allowed him to have a second chance with Samuel. Even
when we feel like we have blown it, remember, with God there is
always a second chance.
The
chapter ends, “The
Lord was with Samuel as he grew up… and all Israel… recognized
that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord… He revealed
Himself to Samuel through His Word. And Samuel’s word came to
Israel“.
Praise God, we have His written Word preserved for us in our Bible.
Is God calling you through your circumstances? Follow Eli’s
advice, pray before your read His Word and by His Spirit, He will
give you understanding. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us, “All
Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God
may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” I
pray you will be thoroughly equipped today!