1 Samuel 3
Today's Passage: 1 Samuel 3
1 Samuel 3 shares the story of Samuel’s first experience hearing from the Lord. Humorously, Samuel thought it was Eli calling to him. However, the old priest recognized that the Lord was calling to Samuel. Eli gave wise words to Samuel who obeyed. The Lord revealed to Samuel the fulfillment of what was promised in the last chapter—that Eli’s sons would die and the priesthood would depart from his family.
This story, and its subsequent declaration that Samuel would become famous as a prophet of God, are an important part of the Biblical story. Eli’s dereliction in regards to the sins of his sons meant that the torch would be passed through Samuel. A new era was underway.
This story is good to know, but if you’re like me, we’re left asking, “but what should I do with this story?” There may be many things, but what stands out to me most right now is the interaction between Samuel and Eli after the Lord had spoken.
First, Eli asked to hear what the Lord had revealed. Second, Samuel hesitated, but then shared the full and unfiltered revelation. Third, Eli accepted the divine revelation.
There are lessons here for us both in how we receive and how we share God’s Word with others. We should be eagerly curious to hear from God’s Word. Eli had to extract it from Samuel. We have it nicely printed and bound in our Bible. The Bible is God’s revelation to humanity—his sufficient, inerrant message to us that we may know and worship Him. Eli models that even when God’s Word runs contrary to our thoughts, hopes, and opinions, we must surrender all to His good plan.
Samuel spoke God’s Word to Eli in much the same way that we must share God’s Word to others. Like Samuel, we may hesitate to share the bad news of the Bible—that all people have sinned leading to eternal death. However, we must share God’s Word fully. Yes, all have sinned, but the good news of the Gospel is that Christ died to free us from the shackles of sin. He did for us what we are unable to do on our own.
It’s unlikely God will wake you from your sleep three times to share with you a unique, new, special revelation. God has sufficiently spoken through his Word. You have access to it and you can share it. Also, people need it. Look around, people are facing uncertainty, hopelessness, and division. God’s Word offers assurance, hope, and brings unity through the Gospel and not only do you have access to it, but you can share it with others.
Written By: Tyler Short
1 Samuel 3 shares the story of Samuel’s first experience hearing from the Lord. Humorously, Samuel thought it was Eli calling to him. However, the old priest recognized that the Lord was calling to Samuel. Eli gave wise words to Samuel who obeyed. The Lord revealed to Samuel the fulfillment of what was promised in the last chapter—that Eli’s sons would die and the priesthood would depart from his family.
This story, and its subsequent declaration that Samuel would become famous as a prophet of God, are an important part of the Biblical story. Eli’s dereliction in regards to the sins of his sons meant that the torch would be passed through Samuel. A new era was underway.
This story is good to know, but if you’re like me, we’re left asking, “but what should I do with this story?” There may be many things, but what stands out to me most right now is the interaction between Samuel and Eli after the Lord had spoken.
First, Eli asked to hear what the Lord had revealed. Second, Samuel hesitated, but then shared the full and unfiltered revelation. Third, Eli accepted the divine revelation.
There are lessons here for us both in how we receive and how we share God’s Word with others. We should be eagerly curious to hear from God’s Word. Eli had to extract it from Samuel. We have it nicely printed and bound in our Bible. The Bible is God’s revelation to humanity—his sufficient, inerrant message to us that we may know and worship Him. Eli models that even when God’s Word runs contrary to our thoughts, hopes, and opinions, we must surrender all to His good plan.
Samuel spoke God’s Word to Eli in much the same way that we must share God’s Word to others. Like Samuel, we may hesitate to share the bad news of the Bible—that all people have sinned leading to eternal death. However, we must share God’s Word fully. Yes, all have sinned, but the good news of the Gospel is that Christ died to free us from the shackles of sin. He did for us what we are unable to do on our own.
It’s unlikely God will wake you from your sleep three times to share with you a unique, new, special revelation. God has sufficiently spoken through his Word. You have access to it and you can share it. Also, people need it. Look around, people are facing uncertainty, hopelessness, and division. God’s Word offers assurance, hope, and brings unity through the Gospel and not only do you have access to it, but you can share it with others.
Written By: Tyler Short
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