Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 5–7

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE RECOGNIZE GOD’S VOICE AND RESPOND IN SUBMISSIVE OBEDIENCE?

One night, Samuel was lying in bed and heard a voice call out, “Samuel!” He went in to check on Eli, but Eli had not called to him. Samuel returned to bed and heard the voice again. Rushing in to Eli, Samuel said, “Here I am. Did you call me?” The third time this happened, Eli gave Samuel very good advice: “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening’” (3:4-9).

Samuel had never heard the voice of God, but Eli knew how to recognize a moment when God is calling. When the voice called out as before, Samuel’s response to the voice of God was, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” – 1 Samuel 3:10

Samuel’s obedience resulted in the Lord continuing to speak to him, giving messages for Samuel to repeat to the people of Israel. They would, in turn, repeat the message and God’s message would spread to all the people of Israel because of Samuel’s obedience (3:21).

SAMUEL HAD A HEART THAT DESIRED TO OBEY AND GOD USED HIM IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.

Samuel knew the purpose to which God had called him and his heart’s desire was to live out that purpose. He knew he had been given to God – he knew where he came from and Samuel knew to whom he now belonged. Because Samuel was obedient and willing to be used by God in the lives of others, the Israelites got rid of their images of Baal and Ashtoreth, and worshiped only the Lord (7:3-4).

Samuel prayed for God’s people and led them in confession and fasting. His humble servant attitude led the people of Israel to know that it was not Samuel who could save them, but the God to whom Samuel prayed.

“Don’t stop pleading with the Lord our God to save us from the Philistines!” they begged Samuel…He pleaded with the Lord to help Israel and the Lord answered him. – 1 Samuel 7:8-9

Samuel was Israel’s judge for the remainder of his life (7:15). He served God faithfully and his leadership helped God’s people to return to Him.

Dear Jesus, I desire to have a servant heart, just as Samuel did. Give me ears to recognize your voice and courage to respond in submissive obedience. Lord, take away any fear or doubt I may have and replace it with the boldness to be your voice in the lives of others. Lord, this morning I pray for our nation. Help us to see our sins and turn to you in repentance. May we once again become a nation that trusts in God. We pray for the leadership of each state and our nation, that they would recognize your existence and bow to your authority. Father God, please heal our land. Amen.

Hear me as I pray, O Lord.
Be merciful and answer me!
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” – Psalm 27:7-8