Ready to Hear from God

"Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord before Eli. And word from the Lord was rare in those days, visions were infrequent. It happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyesight had begun to grow dim and he could not see well), and 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, that the Lord called Samuel; and he said, 'Here I am.'" 1 Samuel 3.1-4

Samuel is growing up and learning to minister in the temple. It was getting late, but the lamp had not yet gone out, and even though it was rare for God to speak, Samuel was lying down in the temple where the Ark of the Covenant was. The ark symbolized the presence of God among the people. The chest contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, and the lid, the Mercy Seat, was where God would descend and receive the blood offering presented by the high priest on the Day of Atonement. God had been largely silent, but Samuel is there, in the place where God would meet with man.

The people's infidelity, and the actions of Eli and his sons, have caused God's silence, but God has promised to raise up a faithful priest who will walk be for Him (1 Samuel 2.35). Samuel is growing up, and is finding favor with both God and men (1 Samuel 2.26). And here in this moment, alone and quiet, in the place where God would descend to meet with man, he is ready to hear from God.

Men, are we ready to hear from God? Are we alone, with all distractions removed, ready to meet with God? God may have been silent recently, but His silence is not the same as His absence. Words from God may have been rare, but they are not nonexistent. God will speak, but we must be listening. Are you?

Let us make time to clear away the chaos and distractions that life throws at us. Let us intentionally enter the presence of God. Let us be ready to hear from God.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor