July 11, 2024
Read 1 Samuel 3, Isaiah 17, Matthew 1
Do you remember a time in your life when it felt like the God was silent or that God felt distant? Chances are we have all felt that way at one point in our lives if we are Christians. Maybe we were pushing for an answer to something and felt like God was not answering our prayers. Maybe we were stuck in a place in life where our routine and spiritual disciplines had become things to check off a list rather than something we looked forward to doing. Maybe it was none of those things or even something we could explain. If we have times like this the important thing to do is to stay committed to our time with God and to continue to practice the spiritual disciplines we have, maybe with a minor change to mix things up.
In 1 Samuel 3 the author says that “The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions” v. 1. God had used his prophets to speak to the people and guide them as a people. The problem was that Eli and his sons had not been obedient to the Lord and God had pronounced judgment upon them. Even with this dark time, God had a plan and was about to bring it to fruition with Samuel. Three times the Lord called Samuel while he was laying down resting. Samuel would reply thinking it was Eli. “The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, ‘Here I am; you called me’” v. 8. Finally Eli realized it must be the Lord and taught Samuel how to respond. “So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place” v. 9. It was only after Samuel called him by name and also placed himself as “servant” before the Lord. This is the posture we must take as servants of God if we want to hear from Him. We must humble ourselves and get quiet in order to listen to what God wants to say.
What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
Add your thoughts below.
DId God Really Say... 