Love That Never Fails

54. Speak Lord

As we have walked through the Old Testament together, we have surely had God's Word speak to us of His creativity, patience, forgiveness, faithfulness, kindness, grace and unfailing love. We can be sure that whenever we read the Bible, God will speak to us, however, in today's reading, we are given a glimpse into another way that God may speak.

Young Samuel was possibly around the age of 12 and was ministering in the House of the Lord under Eli. God had rarely spoken to the people of this time, possibly due to their hard heartedness. However, one particular night, He did speak and it is interesting to see who He chose:

"The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, "Here I am." And he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." But Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down."

So he went and lay down. Again the Lord called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." "My son," Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down."

Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. A third time the Lord called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me."

Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. 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. The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening.""
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭3:1-10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The interesting thing here is that it took Eli the priest, quite a while to realise that God was wanting to speak to the young boy in an audible way. Perhaps he was just very sleepy but it could also indicate the rarity of such an event! After being disturbed by Samuel for a third time, Eli is able to advise him how to respond.

I love the faithfulness and obedience of young Samuel who responded quickly to the voice. God had clearly chosen him because he knew that Samuel would respond eagerly. Once Eli informs him that it is God who is speaking, Samuel responded quickly to the Lord as He called for a fourth time. How exciting this must have been for a boy who did not yet know the Lord in a personal way!

This is a good reminder for us that a person doesn't need to have studied the Bible for years or attended church or Bible College, to have an encounter with God! Also, being young didn't exclude Samuel, just like being old did not exclude Moses!

The key words here, are: 'Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening!' In order to hear the Lord, we need to stop and simply listen with a heart that is open to Him speaking to us. Notice that the Lord calls Samuel in the night while he was lying down resting. We tend to get so busy during the day that we rarely stop long enough just to sit and seek the Lord in a way where we can enjoy being in His Presence.

It's so special that we see the Lord's patience here too. He doesn't give up when Samuel fails to realise it is His voice, initially mistaking it for Eli's. This is the kind of Heavenly Father we have! He is patiently waiting to speak to us —will you make time to listen?

Let's pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You so much for this recount of such a beautiful moment! I am so encouraged as I am reminded that You are eager to spend time with me and You patiently wait! Thank You that You speak to people today and it doesn't matter how old or young they are. You are not necessarily waiting for me to be more mature in my faith before You speak —You just need me to be ready to listen.

Lord in the uncertain times in which we live, I know that more than ever before, I need to stop, be still and listen. I need to linger in Your Presence and listen to Your heart.

Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening!

Amen.