The Lord Calls Samuel

1 Samuel 3

Samuel, likely around twelve years of age at this time, was asleep in the temple when The Lord called him. Thinking the elderly priest Eli needed his help, Samuel ran to Eli. "I didn’t call you, go back to bed" Eli said. A second time Samuel heard his name called. Again Samuel went to Eli. But this time Eli had the spiritual discernment to know that The Lord was calling Samuel, and he gave Samuel excellent spiritual counsel. Go back to bed–if The Lord calls again, respond saying "Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth."–and that’s what happened.

Note that Samuel was a young lad who had already proved his willingness to serve The Lord and to be faithful in fulfilling his duties in the place of worship. Having been faithful in the small things, The Lord was now going to give Samuel much greater responsibilities. You and I should not expect The Lord to call us to greater service until we have proven our willingness and faithfulness in the smaller areas of service (See Matthew 25:21).

Note also the respect young Samuel had for Eli, whom God had put in a position of authority over him. Young people–The Lord is pleased when you show proper respect and attention to those whom God has put in authority over you: your parents, teachers, pastors, police officers.

When did The Lord call Samuel? It was in the stillness of the night. I fear that many young people today are so distracted by noise (cell phones, MP3 players, Television, You-Tube, electronic games) that they will not hear The Lord calling them to serve Him. Young people and indeed anyone who desires to serve The Lord and to know His will for them must make time to "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

Dr. Russell Harpur