In these evil and uncertain times is imperative that the Body of Christ receive specific instructions from the Lord! We need His counsel daily to position us how and where He wants to use us. Our every move is critical to His mission and our assignment here.
1 Samuel 3:1, “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.” There was not a prophet in Israel, no open communication with God. Ryrie states, “Apostasy and prophetic inactivity characterized the days of Eli.”33 Eli was the High Priest of Israel. He had allowed his sons to pervert the worship of God and bring the worship of Baal into the temple. Ellicott states “Hophni and Phinehas, the grown men prostituted the holy work to their own vile worldly ends.”34 Eli's failure, which brought God's judgment upon his house, was the gross neglect and inability to bring his sons under control. We are accountable to God and as such determine our own destiny.
1 Samuel 3:10, “And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.” Young Samuel ministered unto the Lord under the direction of Eli. Samuel's job was to ensure that the lamp located just outside the veil to the Holy of Holies stayed lit. The lamp burned from evening to morning. It was during this time that Samuel encountered God. Three times God called his name and three times Samuel went to Eli to reply “Here I am.” The third time Eli, realizing that Samuel was hearing the voice of God, instructed him to answer, “Speak Lord for thy servant heareth.” Samuel followed Eli's instructions and God began to inform him of what was ahead for Israel, Eli, and his sons.
Young Samuel was looking to Eli for his direction. It was only after he recognized the source of the message that he could understand the significance of the message. Life is full of disappointments but I have found that many disappointments come because I am looking to man to do what only God can do. The ultimate source of my supply is God and God alone. Although, a man may give support, counsel, encouragement and prayer, we must guard against putting our faith and confidence solely in mortal resources. Man's ability to intervene for us is limited, therefore we must turn to and ultimately trust in the infinite resources of Jesus Christ. He is the one, the only one who can go with us all the way to the end of the matter. Thereby, the peace that surpasses all human understanding will accompany us until we complete this journey (Phil. 4:7). The Message, p. 104-106, available at Amazon.com.
33 Ryrie, Charles C. (1978). Ryrie Study Bible. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, note on 1 Kings 3:1
34 Ellicott's Commentary. (2016, June 28).
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