God Speaks!

“In those days the word of the Lord was rare.” (1 Samuel 3:1)

I find that statement to be one of the saddest and most distressing pronouncements in the Bible. I used to attribute the scarcity of God’s words in those days to his sovereign choice. I thought that for whatever reason God didn’t have much to say at that time. Now I believe I was grossly mistaken. I’ve come to recognize that God’s words are never lacking. God is speaking to us through a variety of means, but for one reason or another many of us are not hearing him.

In the case of Eli the priest, he treated his wayward sons with more respect than he did God (1 Samuel 2:29). Although Eli disapproved of his sons’ immoral motivations and actions, he did nothing to put an end to it. And in so doing, Eli scorned God’s sacrifices and offerings, dishonored him and despised him. By his actions, Eli refused to listen to God, so God spoke to him through an unnamed man of God (1 Samuel 2:27) and through the little boy, Samuel.

Samuel came to live with Eli and his family as a very young child. One would think that being raised in the home of a priest of God would provide one with firm training in relationship with God. But this was not the case in Eli’s home, for we’re told that young Samuel did not yet know the Lord (1 Samuel 3:7). Yet at this tender, young age, God introduced himself to Samuel and spoke with him. Jesus reminds us in the New Testament that we must all come to God as little children—humble and open to him (Matthew 18:1-4).

Although little Samuel did not at first recognize God’s voice, Eli had the presence of mind to instruct Samuel to simply listen to God. So, upon hearing his voice again, Samuel humbly responded, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10) Now, there is hearing and there is listening. When it comes to the word of God, hearing without heeding is self-deception (James 1:22). Many hear from God and equate the hearing with relationship with him. But listening to God with the intent to obey demonstrates true intimacy in relationship with him.

Samuel responded in humble submission to God’s word and as a result, “the Lord was with him” and continued to speak to Samuel regularly and frequently for the rest of his life (1 Samuel 3:18-21). Where do you stand in terms of God’s word? Are you a hearer only, or an attentive, submissive listener? Let God speak to you and obey him daily and you will experience rich and full communication and relationship with your heavenly Father.

2009 Rob Fischer