Wednesday, April 22, 2009
RESPONDING TO GOD
Listening when God Speaks
I Samuel 3: 1-10
INTRO: Samuel was dedicated to God's service before his birth. (See chapter 1) He was brought to Eli to be his servant after he was weaned. In this passage while he is still a young man, God speaks to him. One phrase jumped out to me: "Samuel did not yet know the LORD." I asked myself "Why not?" Let's consider:
GOD HAD CHOSEN TO REVEAL HIMSELF
God created the world.
God came to talk with Adam and Eve.
He had continued to relate to His people.
Samuel's mother prayed for him dedicating him to the Lord.
She had raised him to weaning age (perhaps 6 or so).
Then she took him to the priest.
Samuel grew up in the temple.
Why then did he not know the Lord?
Perhaps he had not been taught. By his mother or Eli!
Perhaps he was not a good student!
Then I wondered: Are we raising a generation who does not know the Lord? In our homes and in the church?
This is a very challenging question for me. Are we faithful to God in teaching those who come after us?
SPEAK, FOR YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING
When Eli understood what was happening, he told Samuel.
Samuel was obedient and spoke as told.
He was sincere and God gave him a message for Eli.
While it was not a good message, Samuel was obedient in telling it to Eli.
---- Hopefully this is our response when God speaks. He speaks through His word, through friends, through circumstances, and many ways. Are we listening? Are we teaching others to listen? When He speaks do we recognize Him?
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