"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."
Divine Call:The verse begins with the repetition of the Lord calling Samuel for the third time. It highlights God’s persistence in getting Samuel’s attention. It demonstrates God’s patient pursuit of individuals and His desire to communicate with them.
Obedience of Samuel:We see Samuel’s response to the Lord’s call. Despite not recognizing the voice at first, he humbly approaches Eli, the experienced priest, seeking guidance. Samuel demonstrates obedience and a willingness to serve, indicating his faithfulness and teachability.
Eli’s Perception:Eli, though initially unaware of the divine call, perceives that it is the Lord calling Samuel. This realization shows Eli’s spiritual discernment and recognition of God’s involvement. It also underscores his position as a mentor and guide for Samuel during his early years.
Application:
- Sensitivity to God’s Voice:Like Samuel, we should develop a sensitivity to God’s voice and be attentive to His call. The Lord may be speaking to us through various means such as Scripture, prayer, godly counsel, or circumstances. By cultivating a heart that is tuned to His voice, we position ourselves to receive His guidance and direction.
- Obedience and Humility:Samuel’s immediate response to God’s call and his humility in seeking Eli’s guidance are commendable. It reminds us of the importance of obedience and humility in our relationship with God. We should be ready to respond when God calls us, even if we don’t fully understand His plans.
- Spiritual Discernment:Eli’s perception that the Lord was calling Samuel reflects his spiritual discernment. As believers, we should strive to develop discernment through the study of God’s Word, prayer, and a close relationship with Him. It enables us to recognize God’s voice and discern His will in our lives.
- Mentoring and Discipleship:Eli’s role as a mentor to Samuel is significant. Mentoring relationships play a crucial role in nurturing and equipping the next generation of leaders in the faith. We should seek to invest in others, guiding them in their spiritual journey and helping them discern God’s calling on their lives.
- Reflection:Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Are you attentive to God’s voice? Are you willing to respond with obedience and humility when He calls? How can you develop spiritual discernment, and are you investing in the lives of others through mentoring and discipleship?
Remember, the Bible study provides a starting point for personal reflection and application. It’s essential to prayerfully meditate on God’s Word and seek His guidance as you apply these lessons to your life.
