1 Samuel 3

1 Samuel 3

Meyer - Our Daily Homily - 1 Samuel 3:10 And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel! See the urgency of God! Four times He came, and stood, and called. Mark how He stands at the door to knock. At first He was content to call the lad once by name; but after three unsuccessful attempts to attract him to Himself, He uttered the name twice, with strong urgency in the appeal, Samuel! Samuel! This has been called God’s double knock. There are seven or eight of these double knocks in Scripture: Simon, Simon; Saul, Saul; Abraham, Abraham. How may we be sure of a Divine call? We may know God’s call when it grows in intensity.—If an impression comes into your soul, and you are not quite sure of its origin, pray over it; above all, act on it so far as possible, follow in the direction in which it leads—and as you lift up your soul before God, it will wax or wane. If it wanes at all, abandon it. If it waxes, follow it, though all hell attempt to stay you. We may test God’s call by the assistance of godly friends.—The aged Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child, and gave him good advice as to the manner in which he should respond to it. Our special gifts and the drift of our circumstances will also assuredly concur in one of God’s calls. We may test God’s call by its effect on us.— Does it lead to self-denial? Does it induce us to leave the comfortable bed and step into the cold? Does it drive us forth to minister to others? Does it make us more unselfish, loving, tender, modest, humble? Whatever is to the humbling of our pride, and the glory of God, may be truly deemed God’s call. Be quick to respond, and fearlessly deliver the message the Lord has given you. Keep Your Ears Open Samuel answered, "Speak, for Your servant hears." — 1 Samuel 3:10 Today's Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 When our family lived in Florida, I would often awaken in the morning to the cheerful sounds of a mockingbird outside my window. The first time I heard him, I was thrilled by the beauty of his melody. But soon my ears became accustomed to his songs and I began taking his sunrise concerts for granted. In time I was no longer “hearing” him. This was my own fault. Mr. Mockingbird was still there singing every morning, but I was no longer listening. A similar thing happens if we stop “hearing” God speak to us through the Scriptures. When we first become Christians, it’s a joy to read and study the Bible. Its words speak to our heart. They are like music to our ears. We thrill as we see God’s plan unfold throughout its pages. But in time, reading the Bible can become routine, and before long we may neglect it entirely. As a result, we no longer “hear” God speak to us. The negative effects of this pattern go unnoticed, until one day we wake up and realize what we’ve been missing. How much better to have the attitude of Samuel, who said, “Speak, for Your servant hears” (1 Samuel 3:10). Speak, Lord, in the stillness, While I wait on Thee; Hushed my heart to listen In expectancy. —Grimes The more we read the sacred pages, the better we know the Rock of Ages. Hearing God Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Samuel 3:1–10 I felt like I was underwater, sounds muffled and muted by a cold and allergies. For weeks I struggled to hear clearly. My condition made me realize how much I take my hearing for granted. Young Samuel in the temple must have wondered what he was hearing as he struggled out of sleep at the summons of his name (1 Sam. 3:4). Three times he presented himself before Eli, the high priest. Only the third time did Eli realize it was the Lord speaking to Samuel. The word of the Lord had been rare at that time (v. 1), and the people were not in tune with His voice. But Eli instructed Samuel how to respond (v. 9). Open our eyes, Lord, that we might see You. Open our ears, that we may hear You. Open our mouths, that we might speak Your praise. The Lord speaks to His children, but we need to discern His voice. ARE YOU LISTENING? "Speak, for Your servant hears."-- 1 Samuel 3:10 One of the happiest memories of my childhood is that of my mother reading Bible stories to me at bedtime. Many of them made a great impression on me, especially the incident in the life of Samuel described in 1 Samuel 3. I can still hear my mother reciting the young boy's response to the call of God: "Speak, for Your servant hears" (v. 10). We need to be like Samuel, willing to pause in the midst of life's turmoil to hear the voice of the Lord. And we have this opportunity if we prayerfully read and study the Bible regularly. You see, God's Spirit communicates to us through the Word. Thomas a' Kempis (1379-1471) summed it up well when he wrote: "Blessed indeed are those ears which listen not for the voice sounding without, but for the truth teaching inwardly. Blessed are the eyes that shut to outward things but intent on things inward. Blessed are they who are glad to have time to spare for God, and who shake off all worldly hindrances. Consider these things, O my soul, and hear what the Lord your God speaks." How long has it been since you've asked the Lord to make your heart receptive to His Word? He wants to hear you say, "Speak, Lord, I'm listening." -- R W De Haan Speak, Lord, in the stillness, While I wait on Thee; Hushed my heart to listen In expectancy. God speaks to those who take time to listen. 1 Samuel 3:11 The LORD said to Samuel, "Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. I am about to do: Isa 29:14 Am 3:6,7 Hab 1:5 Ac 13:41 both the ears: 2Ki 21:12 Isa 28:19 Jer 19:3 Lu 21:26 1 Samuel 3 Resources - multiple sermons and commentaries SAMUEL FIRST PROPHECY WILL CAUSE "DIVINE TINNITUS"! Tinnitus - While often described as a ringing, it may also sound like a clicking, buzzing, hiss, or roaring. The sound may be soft or loud, low or high pitched, and often appears to be coming from one or both ears or from the head itself. In some people, the sound may interfere with concentration and in some cases it is associated with anxiety and depression. This case of divine tinnitus would likely cause both of these reactions! The LORD said to Samuel, "Behold, - As always this word calls for close attention to the message, and what a message it was!