YOUR RESPONSE IS NEEDED

Wednesday: January 15, 2020

Reference text: 1 Samuel 3:1-10,19,20

1 Samuel 3:10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

Even though Samuel knew something about the Lord, he did not know the Lord. Now this might sound like the same thing but look at his story- he served the Lord by assisting Eli with his duties as high priest. Yet, when the voice of God called out, he went straight to Eli to present himself. Therefore, God only kept on calling Samuel’s name and said nothing else until there was a response.

It was as if God was waiting a confirmation that Samuel knew who was addressing him. Many a time, unless we have the full attention of others and know that they are ready to listen, we are uncomfortable communicating intimate matters or crucial details about any matter because we feel the timing is off. That is the first lesson from today’s text- a response shows you are all ears.

The second key detail from this text is the number of times it took Eli to realise it was the Lord communicating to Samuel- the third time. You would pardon his delay because as it is written ‘the word of the Lord was rare in those days’. However, others would argue that for someone who served as high priest of Shiloh, he ought to be experienced enough to know the voice of God.

Sweetheart, experience does not always have all the answers at the snap of a finger. It is often a mystery that people deemed ‘experts’ or experienced in certain matters are required to know about and have answers to any questions that pop up in the least amount of time. Even with a experience, patience is necessary. So don’t expect ‘magic’ to happen overnight just because experience is present. It could take time and multiple attempts.

#sly