SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 3:1-21

OBSERVATION:

This passage contrasts Eli (and his sons) with Samuel. The word of the Lord is rare while Eli is priest (v.1), while He regularly reveals His Word to Samuel (vv.19-21).

It is because Eli refused to discipline his sons, who were making a mockery of God as immoral priests (see 1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22-25) and even joined them (1 Samuel 2:29) that Eli and his son’s are to be replaced. Eli seems to have given up, on fighting his sons and on fighting God’s purpose (v.18). He is old and weak. He knows what they are doing is wrong, but he does not stop them.

The Lord is with Samuel and everyone knows it. He is described as growing in favour with the Lord and with men, just like Jesus (1 Samuel 2:26, Luke 2:52).

Not a word falls to the ground (v.19), i.e. everything he says comes true, is confirmed. When he gave advice, it was good. He spoke God’s Word with authority. His predictions came true.

It was the leadership appointed by God that stands in the way of the people hearing God speak.

God is speaking but Samuel does not recognize God’s voice.

APPLICATION:

Where is God speaking to me, and I am not hearing Him?

Am I standing in the way of others hearing God, are we as God’s appointed leaders hindering the voice of God?

When the church fails, God speaks elsewhere; the leaders will be punished, but God’s light will shine through someone/somewhere else.

Samuel is a model for me of what happens when we listen for God’s voice, God will make sure that His truth is heard through us (not a word dropped).

My job is to humbly listen and speak, and God will take care of the rest.

PRAYER:

Lord, help me to listen and obey. I want to be a vehicle of Your Word speaking to hearts through me. Help me not to be in the way, or to be the cause of Your Word not being heard. Please show me where I am lax in my role as Your servant, forgive me and help me to change. Amen.