1 Samuel 3:10–11 (CJB)
10 ADONAI came and stood, then spoke as at the other times: “Sh’mu’el! Sh’mu’el!” Then Sh’mu’el said, “Speak; your servant is listening.” 11 ADONAI said to Sh’mu’el, “Look! I am going to do something in Isra’el that will make both ears of everyone who hears about it tingle.
Examine / Explain
God had called out to Samuel three times. Each time the child thought that Eli the priest had called to him. Eli finally realized that the Lord was calling to Samuel and instructed him how to respond. The message to Samuel was about the things to come, specifically about Eli and his sons. However, the horrid news that came out of this was the fact that Israel lost the upcoming battle to the Philistines and the Ark was captured. The presence of God had left Israel.
What’s the application?
Eli had done too little too late in regard to his sons. They were corrupt and displeasing to God. It would seem that God called on a child to bring his final message about Eli and his family. Even though Eli was a disgrace he still helped Samuel fulfill his purpose. Was that his purpose and calling, to help Samuel? He was a priest in the sanctuary of the Lord at Shiloh. He was to lead the people. He was to protect them from his sons. And because he didn’t God used a child. A pure heart to bring a message of justice. It was a hard thing to do for Samuel. He looked up to Eli. But he delivered it anyway. Are we Eli or are we Samuel? Am I being passive and allowing evil to rule and reign over those who I’m supposed to protect? Or do I do hard things and speak up? Saying the things that are difficult to hear? Was Eli’s actions a direct influence on the Ark being captured? Was his lack of influence on the people keeping their distance from God and the Ark being captured a wake-up call? Even in my failings am I helping the next generation walk with God? Can I truly answer the question, “Who am I?” “What am I doing?” Am I fulfilling my purpose, mission, and assignment in the right season? What is my purpose? To be in the presence of God and point others to Him. Mission? The hearts of men, young and old desire to be in His presence and to know they are loved. Assignment? Hope Over Coffee. Youth. Job. Men of Valor. Am I working in and around it? Am I in the right season? Am I resting in who I am in Him?
What’s my response?
Dad, I still worry way too much about performing for You. You call us to answer a question. We are to fulfill a need. And as men, we are to protect and lead. We are the head that answers to our lead in Christ. We bear the burden of ensuring to look out for those who can’t look out for themselves. We are to be wise as serpents, fierce as lions, and gentle as lambs. We are called to do the hard things. We are called to propel the next generation of believers. We may not be Billy Graham but who knows what generations will be impacted because we slowed down, took time, and loved those around us. All we have to do is answer, “Speak; your servant is listening.”
Leave a Reply