Rise Up Like Samuel
Samuel grew up in the eyes of the Lord. He was a respectable, humble, and faithful young boy. Samuel was trained in the temple to assist Eli with the priesthood duties. He learned the roles and responsibilities quickly. Samuel listened to Eli and feared the Lord. On the other hand, Eli’s two sons were sleeping with their female servants.
Could you imagine everything that was going through young Samuel’s mind and heart? He was away from his family, in a new environment, and had to adjust to a priesthood lifestyle. The transition of living with Eli and his sons could have brought Samuel sleepless nights, restlessness, fear, and even homesickness. These mixed emotions could have left him feeling discouraged, lonely, or even depressed, but God was with Samuel.
One night, Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the Lord near the Ark of God. Suddenly, God called Samuel two times, but he mistook the callings for Eli’s command. He arose and ran quickly to Eli, responding, “Here I am, you called me”(1 Sam. 3:5).
Eli instructed Samuel to lie back down and sleep because he didn’t call him. Both times, Samuel didn’t realize it was God calling him. On the third time, Eli discerned that it was the Lord who was calling Samuel, so he instructed him to go lie down again and wait for the Lord to call on him. As Samuel lay down to sleep, he was attentive and quietly waited upon the Lord.
“Then the Lord came and stood and called as at the previous times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel answered, ‘Speak, for Your servant is listening’”(1 Sam. 3:9–10).
The Lord had never spoken to Samuel personally before this. But on this night, the Lord intentionally called Samuel and conversed with him. Samuel experienced intimacy with the Lord, and God shared His plans with Samuel. Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? In your busy schedule, are you making time to be still in the presence of the Lord? How attuned are you with the Lord Almighty’s voice and His Word? Are you praying expectantly for the Lord’s response—however long it may take—or are you distracted by the noise that surrounds you? God wants to share everything with you: His plans, purpose, promises, desires, and His everlasting grace through His Son Jesus Christ.
We live in a society where we are constantly bombarded with all kinds of distractions like smartphones, iPads, and social media. These gadgets are not making our lives easier, instead, they have the power to replace our intimacy with God. Answering God’s calling requires us to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. What comes with that calling is an obedient heart to rise up faithfully and respond like Samuel: “Here I am, your servant is listening.” Are we waiting, ready, and excited for the Lord’s call? Are you ready to be His instrument for His good works? Trust that God will lead us and empower us to do the impossible and extraordinary.
Samuel went on to be a faithful priest, prophet, and the greatest judge for the Lord and His people, the Israelites. Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. The Lord was pleased with Samuel and every word he spoke came to pass.