Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Speak Lord … But are we Listening? Read 1 Samuel 3:1– 4:1a The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." 1Samuel 3:10 The Bible is all about God delighting to speak to believers. But today how many of them can testify that they have heard God’s voice distinctly? Actually, such sharing is so rare that whenever someone claims to have heard from God, we are wary and doubtful. Surely God still wants to communicate His will to us but how is it that so many fail to hear Him? The art of listening to God seems to be lost these days, perhaps drowned by the distractions of worldly pursuits or even sin. Researchers tell us that what we hear actually depends on what we are listening for. We need to specially tune in to God. Interestingly, in the days of Samuel’s boyhood, the Lord’s messages and visions were also rare (v 1). It was Samuel whom God chose to begin to speak to and start the ball rolling again. He chose a little child. It is really heartening that even children can learn to hear the Lord early in life like Samuel did. Hannah certainly did not make the wrong decision about letting Samuel be Eli’s little assistant. Eli must be given some credit as Samuel was really well brought up (vs 19-21). Perhaps Eli had learnt from his costly mistake in foolish indulgent parenting. The best gift parents can give to their children is a godly heritage which will stay till adulthood. It is not the best food or even the best education. It is the establishment of a lifelong personal relationship with God. Parents can never be sure they can be with their children all their lives so it is imperative that they teach them to place their security in God as the ever present Heavenly Father. Only He can be there for them all their lives. Eli taught Samuel early in life to say, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” And God spoke personally to Samuel on countless occasions all through his long life. God’s messages and visions were no longer ‘rare’ in Israel (v 1). Hearing God calling us by name is a high privilege. Pray that Christian parents will put priority on helping their children learn how to listen to God and respond in unquestioning obedience.