SCRIPTURE: 1 SAMUEL 3
THE LORD CALLS SAMUEL (vs. 1-21)
One night, while Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord where the ark of God was, the Lord called Samuel three times. Samuel answered “Here I am” and ran to Eli. But Eli said he did not call him. Then Eli realized that it was the Lord who called Samuel. So he told Samuel: “If he calls you again say: ‘Speak Lord, for your servant is listening” (v. 9)
Then the Lord came again and called: “Samuel, Samuel”. (v. 9). Samuel replied: “Speak for your servant is listening” (v. 10). The He said to Samuel: “I would judge the family of Eli forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons made themselves contemptible, and he failed to restrain them. Therefore, I swore to the house of Eli, “The guilt of Eli’s house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering” (vs. 13-14) The following morning, Eli called Samuel and asked what the Lord had said to him. Samuel told him everything. Then Eli said: “He is the Lord, let him do what is good in his eyes” (v. 18) The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up. All Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord.
THOUGHTS:
When the Lord called Samuel, his reply was “Here I am”. He responded to God’s call even if it was already midnight. How about you? Do you listen to His call and give Him an answer? Are you ready to say “Here I am” when God calls you to action?
When Eli knew about God’s judgment to his family, he did not complain nor blame God. Instead, he accepted God’s will even though it meant death to him and his son.
The failure of Eli was lack of discipline to his children, which caused him his life and his family’s priesthood. So, never underestimate the power of sin in a family. Parents must train their children in God’s way.
God should have spoken to Eli instead of Samuel because Eli was older and more experienced with the proper position. But God’s chain of command is based on faith not image or position. God may use unexpected channels to find his followers. So be prepared to work at anytime and any place for the Lord.
Eli spent his entire life in service to God. But he neglected his responsibilities in his own home. Don’t let your desire to do God’s work cause you to neglect your own family.