Sunday Morning Podcast March 19, 2017. Bro. Dave Goble.
TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 3:1-11
1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;
3 And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;
4 That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
5 And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.
6 And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.
8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
11 And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.
Samuel was the answer to a mother’s petition for a child. In return, the mother, Hannah, had dedicated him to God’s temple to serve. At first, the young Samuel did not know God, recognize His voice to answer it, or that God is God of everyone, and everything. Samuel was chosen from God to replace the elderly prophet Eli. In this scripture, Samuel for the first time hears God calling him, 3 different times at night. But Samuel thinks Eli is calling him, since he did not know yet, God’s voice. Each time, Eli tells him he did not call him. Finally Eli realizes it is God calling, and instructs Samuel to answer “Speak Lord; for thy servant heareth.” Just like with Samuel, God is good to call all of us, if we listen, love, and obey Him. Although temporarily communication might be hindered, we can always be blessed to “hear” the only one true God, if we reverently love and listen to Him.
Many modern day religious churches have, and are, operating without the power of this only One true God. The power of this True God’s Word, produces, and will not return void. Everyone in God’s church are an example of God’s power over sin. God asks “Are you striving to be like me, the God above all gods?” Only He is a God of holiness. He has always been present, …this God of Truth. This God of Truth is more than an idea; He is not tainted by our human understanding, and above all other religious gods that define many churches today. For only this One true God gives power over sin. 1Samuel 3:7-10, Samuel witnessed who God is, to obey His instructions from HIS (God’s) Reality. By this also, the church comprehends God beyond manmade tradition and rules. God’s message is simple, not complex. You know He’s talking to you to, “Wake up out of your everyday distractions to know ME.”
God wants us to “break through” the clouds of earthiness. God wants us to strive to enter His strait gate. For many will seek to enter, but will not be able. (Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Luke 13:24) The world’s comprehension of God is leading them into more destruction and sin. But God is in the saving business. Saving from sin.
The God Above All……