“For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)
The prophet Samuel was a revered man of God. He served as a prophet of the LORD, conveying messages from God to the Israelites until old age. Though remembered as a faithful servant, Samuel was not always attentive nor open to God’s voice in his life. Rather, it took God speaking directly to Samuel 3 times before Samuel, with the help of his mentor Eli, even realized that God was speaking to him (1 Samuel 3:1-10). While easy to perceive Samuel as dense, we are all susceptible to the “Samuel pattern.” The “Samuel pattern” was true of my life. It took nearly 2 years of ignoring, both actively and passively, God’s voice before I woke up and said to God, “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). I frequently ignored God’s voice for that of an earthly master. In what ways might you be making this same mistake? 1 Samuel makes us consider whether we are even aware of God’s voice; and, if we are, if we willingly respond or if we run from our Creator. Samuel’s call story also speaks to the value of having a trusted mentor or confidant who can point out our personal blind spots. Without Eli realizing that God was calling Samuel, Samuel would not have even known that the LORD was calling to him (1 Samuel 3:8). Do you have an “Eli” in your life to keep you grounded? Ultimately, Samuel’s call story models a process of discernment. At first, the would-be prophet could not recognize the word of God. Later, however, he lived in to God’s call to “give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 4:6) to the world. What might giving this gift mean for your life? Often, the answer is given to us. But, often, we are deaf just like Samuel. Today, consider whether you’re truly listening – with open ears, eyes, and hearts – to God’s voice in your life. Then, prepare to be amazed by the adventure which follows when we are attentive to God’s call. |