Listening...

1 Samuel 3:1-9, “Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD under Eli. The word of the LORD was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called, “Samuel! Samuel!” And he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The LORD called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. The LORD called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.”

Samuel was faithful in his duties to Eli. Eli was old and his sons were cheating the people of Israel. Little was left to Eli of his family. His Temple duties were accomplished with Samuel. As Eli slept Samuel was called by God. Three times he thought that Eli had summoned him and he quickly went to his mentor and priest. Finally Eli determined that God was calling his protégé and advised him to speak to God to let God know that he had heard God’s call upon his life. Have you answered God’s call upon your life?

Prayer: Father of all Creation and lover of my soul. Your grace is unmerited and You have given me the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. I am humbled and listening to Your call on my life. Here I am Lord, here I am…Amen.