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. – 1 Samuel 3:9
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When Samuel was born, she dedicated him to the Lord. When he was weaned, she left Samuel in the temple. Samuel ministered to the Lord under Eli, the priest.
One night, God called Samuel. Samuel did not recognize it as God’s voice because Samuel did not yet know the Lord (v7). So, he ran to Eli, thinking it was Eli who called him. After a couple of times, Eli figured out that it must be the Lord calling and gave Samuel some wise counsel.
Eli told Samuel, to go back and lie down. Be quiet and available to hear when He would call again. And when He does, say, ‘speak Lord, for your servant is listening.’ Samuel was to wait for the Lord to call again and respond, humbly.
Samuel was a good and obedient boy living in the temple and serving God faithfully. Yet he still didn’t know the Lord. So also, being born in good Christian homes and ‘doing good’ is not enough. Every person needs to know God personally.
God always confirms His calling more than once. Our response to God’s Word is to humble ourselves and take time to personally listen. We may also hear God’s Word spoken through many teachers, preachers, and pastors. The important thing is to keep our heart tuned to listen as God speaks.
Are you listening?
Lord, give me a humble and listening heart, I pray.
Extended Reading — 1 Samuel 1-3
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