1 Samuel 3:4 Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.”
Once again, the last verse is the one that has caught my attention: “Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.” I know over the years there have been times when I read God’s word and thought, “What in the world is this saying?!?” and there have been times I’ve read His word and thought, “This! He hears me. He knows me. He’s got me. Thank You, Jesus!”
1 Samuel 3:5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.
And there have been times when I have felt God calling me to deal with a certain situation or trait or issue, one that I continue to struggle with or still haven’t dealt with. Part of that, I think, is Christian maturity. He calls me to tasks as I have matured enough to handle them. Part of that is human fallibility. I should have dealt with that last time I encountered it, but I didn’t, and here it still is. Regardless, I am thankful that He continues to call us until we listen, until we hear, until we respond.
1 Samuel 3:6 Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”
Precious Savior, Thank You for revealing different aspects of Your personality to me over the years as I continue to grow and develop as Your deeply loved child. Help me never to lose the wonder of Your first call. Help me to listen, to hear, to respond. Always. Amen.
1 Samuel 3:7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
Have a blessed day.