“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.”
Samuel 3:6 marks a significant moment in the life of the young prophet Samuel. Here are a few key points we can consider in this verse:
Divine Calling:The verse begins by stating, “And the Lord called yet again, Samuel.” Samuel had been serving in the Tabernacle under the guidance of Eli the priest. At this point, God called Samuel for the third time. This emphasizes the persistent nature of God’s calling. It also highlights the importance of attentiveness and responsiveness on Samuel’s part. God often calls individuals in different ways and at different times, and it is crucial for us to be open and receptive to His call.
Obedience and Humility:Samuel’s response to God’s call demonstrates his obedience and humility. When Samuel hears the voice calling him, he immediately goes to Eli, assuming it was Eli who called him. Samuel’s readiness to serve and his willingness to listen to Eli’s instruction reveal his humble and obedient nature. It teaches us the importance of being attentive to authority figures and respecting their guidance.
Spiritual Discernment:Eli’s response to Samuel is worth noting. He tells Samuel that he did not call him and instructs him to lie down again. Eli was a spiritually mature individual, aware of the Lord’s voice and aware of Samuel’s potential as a prophet. By instructing Samuel to lie down, Eli recognizes that it is God who is calling Samuel. This highlights the significance of spiritual discernment and the role of mentors in guiding others in their spiritual journeys.
Persistence in Seeking God:The fact that God called Samuel multiple times before he realised it was the Lord’s voice demonstrates the importance of persistence in seeking God. Samuel’s confusion and the repetition of the call signify that God wanted to get his attention and make him receptive to His message. This can serve as a reminder for us to be persistent in seeking God’s guidance and to remain open to His voice, even if we do not initially recognise it.
Overall, 1 Samuel 3:6 teaches us valuable lessons about divine calling, obedience, humility, spiritual discernment, and persistence in seeking God. It encourages us to be attentive to God’s voice, to respond obediently, and to seek guidance from wise spiritual mentors.
