Scripture

the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle near the Ark of God. Suddenly, the lord called out “Samuel!”

Observation

Samuel continues to serve the Lord by assisting Eli at the Tabernacle. Words from the Lord and visions were uncommon at that time.

Samuel is asleep in the Tabernacle when he hears a voice calling his name. Thinking it is Eli, he runs off to him. But Eli says it was not he who called. This happens three times, and by then Eli realises it is the Lord. He tells Samuel to say, “Speak, your servant is listening.”

The Lord then speaks to Samuel and tells him that judgement will come on Eli and his sons, and nothing will deter the lord in this.

The next morning, Eli ask Samuel what the Lord had said to him. Samuel tells him, and Eli accepts this word from the Lord.

As Samuel grows up, he is recognised all through the land as a prophet of the Lord.

Application

Samuel was positioned to hear the word of the Lord. He slept in the Tabernacle, near the Ark of God. He was near the epicentre of God’s presence on the earth.

To hear the voice of the Lord, I need to position myself to receive from Him. I need to take time to be quiet and hear God’s voice. I need to learn to tune my spirit into the frequencies of the Holy Spirit. I need to learn to live free from sin.

God does not need me to follow a protocol or a process for hearing His voice in order to speak. But I need to quieten my heart in order to listen.

Samuel needed to learn to tune in to the Spirit of the Lord. At first he could not distinguish between God and man. Over time, he became famous as a prophet in Israel.

How much more should we expect to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

Prayer

Thank you Lord that you are continually speaking your word to us. Please help me to listen constantly for your still small voice. Amen.