1 Samuel 3:1-21
In her faith, Hannah gave her long awaited son, Samuel, back to God - literally and spiritually. However, instead of mourning his loss, she praised God that she ever had him. Awesome! Every year, on their pilgrimage to Shiloh for worship, she would bring him a new ephod - the traditional dress of the priests in the Tabernacle. But God is also faithful. Because of her attitude and integrity, God also gave Hannah five more children after Samuel. So now, she has six children when she only prayed for one; and the one she prayed for is being raised as a priest and prophet!
Samuel had been living with Eli, the priest at Shiloh, since he was three years old. By this time, he was older and had gained favor with God and the people of Israel, but this particular night was special - pivotal - for him. As he slept in the Tabernacle, Samuel heard someone call his name. He apparently assumed it was Eli, so he went to him and asked if he called. Eli said no and sent him back to bed. After he laid back down, Samuel heard his name again. Again, he went to Eli, and again Eli sent him back to bed.
When it happened a third time, Eli realized that Samuel was hearing God calling to him. This makes me all warm and fuzzy because I remember this feeling. I don't remember the exact moment or event when I recognized God's voice, but I do remember the difference between the time I didn't recognize it and now that I do. What an amazing transition! But I digress. Eli explained to Samuel that it was the Lord calling him, and the next time he did, he should answer, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening:". How often do we say that in earnest?
So, God called again and Samuel said just what Eli told him to say. Then God proceeded to tell Samuel the things he was about to do in Israel concerning Eli and his family. Quick recap - Eli's sons Phinehas and Hophni had been abusing their positions as priest, taking food from the people's offerings and seducing women who came for worship. Eli knew about it, but did nothing more than tell them to stop (1Samuel 2:12-25). Now, God was ready to carry out his judgment against them for their sins and he told Samuel just that.
The next day, Samuel was obviously not looking forward to facing Eli. I mean, who wants to hear bad things about their mentor and spiritual father - especially from God - and know that because of those things, they will be utterly destroyed? No one that I can think of. But, he had to face him and when he did, Eli demanded that he tell him every word the Lord had told him. So, Samuel did and Eli took it in stride. He had been warned previously (see 2:27-36), so this was just confirmation and he had nothing to say but, 'God's will be done'.
All that was left to do at that point was to watch it unfold. As it did, Samuel was confirmed as a prophet throughout the land and God continued to commune with him. Side note: at that time, direct communication and visions from God had become scarce, so this was a really big deal. Recognizing God's voice is a really big deal. Do you remember when you first recognized it for yourself? Are you still praying for discernment? Have you been filled with the Holy Spirit? Be faithful in your prayer, study and meditation and God will reveal himself to you. When he does, it is imperative to be obedient. Your relationship with him will be so enriched and energized. It really is a wonderful place.
God, thank you for your presence in our lives. Thank you for your sovereignty and love. Please help us to hear you, to know you, and to love you. Make our relationship more personal, more intimate, so we can know your voice, without a doubt. Help us to become and remain faithful to you and your will for our lives. It won't always be easy, Lord, but with your help, all things are possible. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
In her faith, Hannah gave her long awaited son, Samuel, back to God - literally and spiritually. However, instead of mourning his loss, she praised God that she ever had him. Awesome! Every year, on their pilgrimage to Shiloh for worship, she would bring him a new ephod - the traditional dress of the priests in the Tabernacle. But God is also faithful. Because of her attitude and integrity, God also gave Hannah five more children after Samuel. So now, she has six children when she only prayed for one; and the one she prayed for is being raised as a priest and prophet!
Samuel had been living with Eli, the priest at Shiloh, since he was three years old. By this time, he was older and had gained favor with God and the people of Israel, but this particular night was special - pivotal - for him. As he slept in the Tabernacle, Samuel heard someone call his name. He apparently assumed it was Eli, so he went to him and asked if he called. Eli said no and sent him back to bed. After he laid back down, Samuel heard his name again. Again, he went to Eli, and again Eli sent him back to bed.
When it happened a third time, Eli realized that Samuel was hearing God calling to him. This makes me all warm and fuzzy because I remember this feeling. I don't remember the exact moment or event when I recognized God's voice, but I do remember the difference between the time I didn't recognize it and now that I do. What an amazing transition! But I digress. Eli explained to Samuel that it was the Lord calling him, and the next time he did, he should answer, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening:". How often do we say that in earnest?
So, God called again and Samuel said just what Eli told him to say. Then God proceeded to tell Samuel the things he was about to do in Israel concerning Eli and his family. Quick recap - Eli's sons Phinehas and Hophni had been abusing their positions as priest, taking food from the people's offerings and seducing women who came for worship. Eli knew about it, but did nothing more than tell them to stop (1Samuel 2:12-25). Now, God was ready to carry out his judgment against them for their sins and he told Samuel just that.
The next day, Samuel was obviously not looking forward to facing Eli. I mean, who wants to hear bad things about their mentor and spiritual father - especially from God - and know that because of those things, they will be utterly destroyed? No one that I can think of. But, he had to face him and when he did, Eli demanded that he tell him every word the Lord had told him. So, Samuel did and Eli took it in stride. He had been warned previously (see 2:27-36), so this was just confirmation and he had nothing to say but, 'God's will be done'.
All that was left to do at that point was to watch it unfold. As it did, Samuel was confirmed as a prophet throughout the land and God continued to commune with him. Side note: at that time, direct communication and visions from God had become scarce, so this was a really big deal. Recognizing God's voice is a really big deal. Do you remember when you first recognized it for yourself? Are you still praying for discernment? Have you been filled with the Holy Spirit? Be faithful in your prayer, study and meditation and God will reveal himself to you. When he does, it is imperative to be obedient. Your relationship with him will be so enriched and energized. It really is a wonderful place.
God, thank you for your presence in our lives. Thank you for your sovereignty and love. Please help us to hear you, to know you, and to love you. Make our relationship more personal, more intimate, so we can know your voice, without a doubt. Help us to become and remain faithful to you and your will for our lives. It won't always be easy, Lord, but with your help, all things are possible. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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