In this Sunday’s scripture, Samuel, the young boy born to the childless Hannah, has been dedicated to God’s perpetual service, just as his mother Hannah had promised. Since about age three, Samuel had lived with and worked for Eli, the High Priest. By the time our lesson opens, Samuel is about twelve years of age, and ministering in the sanctuary with Eli. We are told several other things: the word of the Lord was rare in those days, visions were not widespread, and Samuel did not yet know the Lord — the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
You remember the story: three times the Lord calls the sleeping boy. Three times Samuel confuses God’s voice for Eli’s, and responds “Here am I.” Three times Eli sends the boy back to bed. Finally, it dawns on Eli what may be taking place. He instructs his young charge that if it should happen again he is to respond “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” God does call again — this time awakening Samuel by coming and standing before him. Samuel does as he is told.
Several things need to be recognized in this story that many of us remember from our childhood Sunday School Days. First, God always takes the initiative in calling us. Long before we know God exists, much less know God’s name, God knows us. Not only are we fearfully and wonderfully made, but even before you and I were being made in secret, God knew us.
What does it mean for you that long before you came to be, God knew you, knew your name, knew why you were being called into being. Life is not as autonomous as we often think it to be. There has never been a time when God was not present to you, nor will there ever be. God knew us before we knew ourselves — knew us fully as we are, warts and all, loved us, and made a place for us within God’s larger purposes of life. Among the many things this means, it tells us that nothing about us is hidden from God. Consequently, there is not only no use in trying to hide, there is no need to do so. But more, God seeks us out. Regardless of how hard or far you and I might run, God outdistances us to be standing there waiting for us, once we arrive. God initiates the relationship and pursues us with determination. Why? Because God created us for a purpose, and is at work calling us to those choices, those tasks, those missions.
God spoke and Samuel heard. He responded saying “Speak for your servant is listening.” When that word came to Eli, he said, “It is the Lord; let him do what seems good to him.” It was Eli’s way of saying he would trust the grace of God. God had called and finally gotten through. God had reached the person to whom he was speaking.
God continues to call, first to faith, then to faithful living. Where is it God is trying to get through to you this week? What is it God is depending upon you to do for the sake of Jesus Christ and the gospel? Are you ready to say “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” Or, are you still hanging up on God? I hope all of you will find the courage to answer, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.”
Peace.
Rev. Carriker
