PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 1 Samuel 3-4
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 10:10)
Samuel heard the voice (word) of the Lord but didn’t recognize it.
A that time it was rare for people to hear a message from God (3:1).
Is that because they, like Samuel, did not know how to hear God?
It says Samuel did not yet know the Lord (3:7)… was he not taught?
I wonder if the Lord was speaking, but people were not hearing.
They were not open to hearing, nor were they praying.
Is “the word of the Lord” rare in our day too?
Not that the Lord isn’t speaking, but people are not listening?
Jesus promised to send the Spirit to teach and guide us (John 14:26).
Scripture is one way the Spirit of Jesus speaks to us (2 Timothy 3:15-16).
But he also speaks to us through others, and through life experiences.
Am I listening, am I taking the time to hear what he is saying?
Don’t just read the bible and walk away; spend time with Jesus and say:
“Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 10:10).
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for those moments when I sense you comforting, convicting or compelling with love. I want to hear you more often, and to listen to what you say!
Eli said, “He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes.” “She said, “The Glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured.””
But the glory did not depart – we know that – rather it was now evident in renewed visions through Samuel – who was becoming known as a prophet. It was a mistake to put hope in things. Yes the spirit of the soldiers were revived when the Ark came – but it was no submission – it was like they were controlling God – saying now you have to fight for us. Worshipping God is all about submission – Samuel submitted and so did Eli – he knew what was coming. But though it may have seemed that the ‘Glory’ has departed by the capture of the visible Ark – but really God was still connected with His people. Now through Samuel.
Morning devotions.
Getting the right start to the day. Today is also the Lord’s Day as is every day. I need His presence every hour. And as I live this day in His presence I need to hear His voice saying, ‘This is the Way. Walk in it.’ I need open ears and an open heart to hear His voice, His leading and guiding, putting my small hand into His large hand as He guides me throughout this day. I need to be in tune with His will in my life. Stop. Look. Listen. Wait upon the Lord and He will guide.
1 Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of your tone.
As you have sought, so let me seek
Your erring children, lost and lone.
2 Oh, lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wand’ring and the wav’ring feet.
Oh, feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Your hungry ones with manna sweet.
3 Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious truths which you impart.
And wing my words that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.
4 Oh, fill me with your fullness, Lord,
Until my very hearts o’erflows
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Your love to tell, your praise to show.
5 Oh, use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as you will, and when, and where
Until your blessed face I see,
Your rest, your joy, your glory share.