Do you have any childhood memories about waking up in the dead of night, lying still, and hearing the night noises, feeling slightly apprehensive at unrecognisable sounds? I once feared that our old clock would strike thirteen and that something otherworldly would appear.

 

I can only imagine how young Samuel must have felt when, lying in the temple one night, heard his name being called – three times – in a voice unfamiliar to him. He was ministering in the temple under Eli and twice ran to Eli, thinking the old priest had summoned him; but the third time Eli realised it was God calling, and told Samuel how to answer: ”Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:9)

 

What an awe-inspiring experience it must have been for him. He was serving God, but he had never heard his voice. He was used to the ritual of daily tasks, but he had never had a personal message; Eli was there to instruct him. It took Eli’s spiritual discernment – despite his own failures as a father and leader – to guide Samuel in how to respond humbly.

 

“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” shows Samuel’s humility and readiness to be attentive to God’s instruction before even a word is spoken. And then, God’s words to Samuel became his first test of Samuel’s integrity and obedience, because what God said wasn’t comfortable for him to repeat.

 

Samuel didn’t shirk his first assignment.

 

Although it was a tough message about judgement on Eli’s family – one Samuel was afraid to deliver, after pondering through a long, sleepless night – when Eli ordered him to speak, Samuel held nothing back.

 

Today’s verse tells us that the Lord was with Samuel as he grew, and he “let none of his words fall to the ground” – everything Samuel spoke on God’s behalf was fulfilled. Because of this, he became known as someone who could be trusted to bring God’s word faithfully. Learning to listen well and respond faithfully, early in life, made him a blessing to Israel.

 

God still speaks today, even if not necessarily in an audible voice. We hear him through hs Word, through prayer, through the quiet prompting of his Spirit, or sometimes through the wisdom of others further along in faith, as Eli was for Samuel. Being still in his Presence is difficult when we have much to bring to him – but it’s important to cultivate that stillness, so that we can truly listen and respond.

 

Where might God be speaking to you today – in a decision, a relationship, a nudge you’ve been too busy to notice? Will you be still before him, listen patiently, and be courageous enough to respond, whatever he asks?

 

Prayer: “To you O LORD, I lift up my soul; O my God, in you I trust” (Psalm 25:1-2, ESV) Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path …” (Psalm 27:11) Amen