Reading 39 • October 22
Today's Scripture
1 Samuel 3:1–10
Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.
At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (NRSVUE)
Reflection
Something struck at the very first verse. “The word of the Lord was rare in those days.”
Before starting to write today, I read the devotional from Judges, which talked about how God’s people would stray, become devoured by the gods of those surrounding them, realize the situation they had created for themselves, and repent. This God who pursues a relationship with each of us would send a judge to rescue them, and God’s people would return to their covenantal relationship with God. Rinse and repeat.
The next part of this passage also interests me. Samuel hears the calling, runs to Eli, and answers, “Here I am!” The third time, Eli tells him to stay where he is and answer, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
A calling is a very real thing to me. I was called to be a teacher. It took me quite a while to realize that. I kept pursuing other more attractive but less rewarding “gods” before realizing that I could do all the other stuff because I followed my calling rather than instead of it.
While it can be difficult, I try to be still and listen for God’s call regularly. It is easy to be content with what I have and where I am, but I also don’t believe that is what God wants from me. What opportunities are calling me at church, at school, or in my profession? One thing I think I have learned: that calling is rarely the thing that first catches my eye. How do I know it’s the right thing? I don’t. But I try to listen before deciding.
Where and what is your calling? Samuel may have it right. Before saying “Here I am!” consider “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
Prayer
Lord, help me listen quietly for your voice calling to me service. Then give me the discernment follow your call. To the glory of your Holy Name. Amen.
Written by Robert Sinclair, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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