Scripture Reading(s)
1 Samuel 3:1-20
3:1 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD under Eli. The word of the LORD was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.
3:2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room;
3:3 the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was.
3:4 Then the LORD called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!”
3:5 and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down.
3:6 The LORD called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.”
3:7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.
3:8 The LORD called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy.
3:9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
3:10 Now the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
3:11 Then the LORD said to Samuel, “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle.
3:12 On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end.
3:13 For I have told him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them.
3:14 Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be expiated by sacrifice or offering forever.”
3:15 Samuel lay there until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the LORD. Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli.
3:16 But Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” He said, “Here I am.”
3:17 Eli said, “What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.”
3:18 So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. Then he said, “It is the LORD; let him do what seems good to him.”
3:19 As Samuel grew up, the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.
3:20 And all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was a trustworthy prophet of the LORD.
Reflections
During this time in Israel’s history there were those who had sinned profusely against God and there was nothing being done to rectify and bring about any form of repentance. Therefore God had to raise up one who was pure and filled with God’s love to be an example not only for those who were in sin but for the nation of Israel.
Samuel was one who both lived and answered the call to serve God with his life. He was dedicated to growing closer to God in both service and a deeper relationship. The remarkable thing about Samuel is that he was so young and yet God saw that in his heart he was pure and that he genuinely loved the Lord.
Samuel was still young but he understood that when sin was not dealt with, God’s judgment had to be implemented. In this case, there were those who had outrightly blasphemed against God and there was no feeling of repentance or desire for forgiveness. The seriousness of their sin was not understood or taken into account. God honors those who long to serve Him with their hearts and He has to exact punishment on those who outwardly sin against Him.
Samuel walked a life that was constantly in pursuit of growing closer to God each day. He understood the seriousness of sin and was used to be a great prophet and tool for God. His words and life glorified God and others were able to see that he was genuine and real in His love for the Lord. Despite how old we are and where we are in life, if we are in pursuit of loving God with our whole hearts, He too will use us to do His work and bring Glory to Him.
“It is the LORD; let him do what seems good to him.”
Eli was a respected priest even though his sons were trouble-makers. For all of Eli’s shortcomings, he still knew one of the most valuable pieces of wisdom; to obey the Lord. That is exactly what Samuel did.
Samuel went down in history as one of the greatest Israelites to ever live, yet is was not just because the Lord called him to greatness. It was because Samuel was obedient to the Lord. Just think about how different our lives would be if we do the same thing.
Do not put aside the calling of the Lord for another day. There is no better time, no better place, and no better way to respond to the Lord than this very moment.