The day finally arrives. At last Samuel hears God’s voice. However; he was not familiar, so at first Samuel thought it was Eli who had called him.
As we mentioned before, Samuel had begun sleeping in The Holy Place of the Tabernacle. This was so that he would be able to monitor the amount of oil that burned in the great lamp. If you wish to review that lesson from last week; it can be found here: https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/samuels-first-obedience/
That night when he lay down to sleep, Samuel heard a voice calling his name.
LEARNING TO RECOGNIZE GOD’S VOICE
“Samuel! Samuel!”
Samuel jumped up and ran to Eli, who was now very old and practically blind.
“Yes?” Samuel replied. “What is it? Here I am.”
But Eli had not called Samuel. He told the boy to go back to bed.
About the time Samuel got settled again he heard the same voice; “Samuel! Samuel!”
Again, the young boy went to Eli to inquire about what he needed. Again, Eli said he had not called and told Samuel to go back to sleep.
HOW TO ANSWER THE VOICE OF GOD
When the LORD called a third time, Samuel again went to check with Eli. By now Eli realized that it was probably The LORD who had called out to Samuel. So, Eli told Samuel to go lie down once more. If he heard a call again, he was to say, ‘Yes LORD, I’m listening.’
So, Samuel went back to bed. The LORD called out to him once more. This time Samuel replied, “Yes, I’m listening.”
Sometimes we can learn amazing things from children. The answer that Samuel gave was very appropriate. If you know that the voice of God is calling out to you today, “Yes LORD, I’m listening” is the best reply you could ever use for answering the call.
Then it is best to do a very hard thing for most humans. Listen and obediently follow the instructions.
GOD WARNS SAMUEL ABOUT HIS PLANS
Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am going to do a shocking thing in Israel. I am going to do all the dreadful things I warned Eli about. I have continually threatened him and his entire family with punishment because his sons are blaspheming God, and he doesn’t stop them. So I have vowed that the sins of Eli and of his sons shall never be forgiven by sacrifices and offerings.” (1 Samuel 3:11-14.)
After hearing this, Samuel stayed in bed until morning. Can you imagine how horrified he felt to have heard this particular message from God?
When Samuel opened the Tabernacle doors as he usually did in the mornings, Eli called to him.
“What did the Lord say to you?”
Samuel told Eli the word of the Lord. Eli replied that this was the Lord’s will, and the Lord should do what He thought best.
SAMUEL HEARS GOD’S VOICE
What a strange way for God to introduce Himself to a young boy. All of this must have seemed very strange to Samuel, but he was still obedient and truthful. He did not try to hide God’s word from Eli. Samuel must have realized that Eli was already aware of God’s displeasure with his family.
It must have disturbed Samuel to find out that God was angry with the man who oversaw his welfare.
Sometimes we all must go through the same thing that Samuel had to face. We must hear what the Lord has to say, and it may not be pleasing or sugar-coated words. The time may come when we have to face others with the hard facts of life. If God asks us to make a statement to someone about His plans; it is our duty to do so.
OUR DAY WILL COME
One day in the future we will all be like Samuel. God will speak to us and tell us that He is going to judge the world. He may instruct us to warn others and to let them know His plans.
If we are doing what we have been instructed, maybe some people we speak to will change. Perhaps those who have been incorrigibly wicked for life will turn around and repent of their sins. That would be the best scenario.
We can only hope for a better outcome and responses than Samuel got from Eli.
THE FAITH OF A CHILD IS NEEDED TO DO GOD’S WILL
Even as a child, Samuel was faithful to listen to God’s word.
He was careful to pass it on, even when he felt sad.
God had spoken out and asked Samuel to step up. Samuel was obedient to serve God when He asked for his service.
HERE I AM
How many adults living in today’s troubled world would act with the same obedience or be as faithful as this child named Samuel who had now experienced his first encounter with the voice of God?
Even today, God is still speaking to those who are willing to be faithful and obedient.
He is looking for more Samuels.
Who is listening?
A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP
Through all of the noise of the world, Samuel was able to hear God’s voice. When God calls out to the modern world, who will hear and recognize the voice of The Lord?
Samuel now knew God in a personal way. We should all be able to say the same.
Christianity is about a personal relationship.
Are you concerned that you are not hearing the voice of God? Perhaps the article in this link will help you: https://scripturesavvy.com/how-to-hear-gods-voice/#:~:text=Hearing%20God%E2%80%99s%20voice%20requires%20a%20heart
If you can’t hear the voice of God becoming active in your life; move closer and call out to Him. Just say the same words that Samuel used;
“Here I am.”
Those are the words that God wishes to hear from you.