Are You Listening?

Read 1 Samuel 1:1–3:21

1. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel served the Lord by assisting Eli. Now in those days messages from the Lord were very rare, and visions were quite uncommon.
2. One night Eli, who was almost blind by now, had gone to bed.
3. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle near the Ark of God.
4. Suddenly the Lord called out, “Samuel!” “Yes?” Samuel replied. “What is it?”
5. He got up and ran to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” “I didn’t call you,” Eli replied. “Go back to bed.” So he did.
6. Then the Lord called out again, “Samuel!” Again Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” “I didn’t call you, my son,” Eli said. “Go back to bed.”
7. Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had never had a message from the Lord before. 1 Samuel 3:1-7

It’s frustrating to talk to someone who only pretends to listen. You want to shout, “I’m talking, but you’re not listening!” You may be talking about something very important to you, but the person seems to be daydreaming or appears distracted. People can be close—even talking—and yet not communicate.

That problem characterized Israel for many years. God would speak, but Israel wouldn’t listen. The birth of Samuel opens a new chapter in Israel’s history. Decades have passed since a prophet of God has spoken; Samuel will reopen the lines of communication. As you read, learn about what it means to listen carefully to God.

This piece of Israel’s grand story has other lessons as well: bringing the right kinds of gifts to God; praising God for his gifts to us; and knowing when to stop others from doing evil.

God had spoken directly and audibly with Moses and Joshua, but his word had become rare during the three centuries of rule by the judges. During this time, no prophets were speaking God’s messages to Israel (1 Samuel 3:1). The attitude of Eli’s sons provides the reason for the silence. They refused to listen to God, and they allowed greed to block their communication with him. Instead of listening to God, Israel had turned to other sources of wisdom. But when God spoke to Samuel, the young boy responded, “Speak, your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10).

God does not always use the sound of a human voice, but he always speaks clearly through his Word. To receive his messages, we must be ready to listen and to act upon what he tells us. We must be open to God if we are going to hear and understand him. We must make a conscious choice to read his Word, to respond with prayer, and to be open to the prompting of his Spirit. Listening and responding are vital in a relationship with God.

Have you heard God lately? He’s speaking to you. Like Samuel, be ready to say, “Here I am,” when God gives you a message.