1 Samuel Chapter 3

1 Samuel Chapter 3.

Firstly the chapter start by saying, the word of the Lord was rare and precious in those days. God spoke through prophets and in this case was Eli.  There was no frequent or widely spread vision.

Just like Eli and Israel at the time, we often find ourselves in this kind of a situation, where God’s voice or communion with him seems so distant and very dry. We need to be tuned with the Spirit to know when His Presence is no longer with us. We are used to traditions, norms, routines and formalities. It’s possible to have the entire meeting without God/Spirit. Like Eli, our eyesight had dimmed so that we could not see. We can have the form of godliness but deny its power. (2 Ti 3:5)

Now about young Samuel, he had not been introduced to the voice of the Lord at that time. So when God called him… although he heard a voice calling, he did not know that it was the voice of God. Like many of us, we hear a lot of voices. We need to have the Spirit of discernment in order for to know and recognize when God is talking to us. Moreover, we need to be able to recognize the voice of the enemy.  You know, the Mind is the battle field. This is where we win most battles and loose others. The bible says we need to take every thought captive in order to obey Christ (2 Cor 10:6). I pray that God may open the eyes of our hearts so we can see him, recognize him and commune with him.

Eli had let his sons run his daily duties as the priest. But the bible says they were corrupt and vile, they cheat people and did not respect the rules of the temple. He did not correct them even though he knew what they were doing. The bible says God will judge his house, and his house sin will not be purged by sacrifices forever. Before Christ, people relied on the blood of bulls and lambs for sanctification. Thus people bringing their sacrifices for the remission of sins and be sanctified.

 God does not delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord. [Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice – 1 Sam 15:22]. Truth is, sin separate us from the Lord. Not only that, but sin also give the devil a legal right in our lives. We thank God for His grace in this regard. The Grace of God empowers us to do the will of the Father. Amen!

Samuel continued communing with God and dwelt in His presence (God appeared to him in Shiloh). He became a new prophet and God did not allow his word to fall to the ground. What a Joy, peace and wonder it is to be in His presence. Like Samuel and David, I too long to be in the house of the Lord for rest of my days. I want to lead a meaning full life that is full of grace, compassion for his people. Be like John, the voice of one shouting in the desert], Prepare the way of the Lord. Like Solomon full of wisdom and walk in His glory.