1 Samuel 3:18: The Call of Samuel
The Background
In 1 Samuel 3, we find the story of Samuel, a young boy who was dedicated to the service of God by his mother, Hannah. Samuel was living in the temple at Shiloh, under the care of Eli, the high priest. At that time, the word of the Lord was rare, and visions were not widespread (1 Samuel 3:1).
The Call of Samuel
In 1 Samuel 3:18, we read: "So Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. And Eli said to Samuel, 'He is the Lord, let him do what seems good to him.'"
In this verse, we see the response of Eli to Samuel's revelation from God. Earlier, Samuel had heard God's voice three times, but he didn't recognize it as the voice of the Lord. However, on the fourth time, Eli told Samuel to respond to the voice, saying, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:9).
When Eli heard Samuel's account of the revelation, he acknowledged the sovereignty of God, saying "He is the Lord, let him do what seems good to him." This response showed that Eli had come to terms with the fact that God's judgment was near, and he was willing to submit to God's will.
Lessons from 1 Samuel 3:18
From Eli's response, we can learn the following lessons:
Submission to God's Will
Eli's response demonstrates a willingness to submit to God's will, even if it means judgment or discipline. This teaches us the importance of surrendering to God's sovereignty, trusting that His ways are higher than ours.
Accountability
Eli, as the high priest, took responsibility for his own actions and recognized the gravity of his own sin. This teaches us the importance of accountability and taking ownership of our actions.
Mentorship
The story of Eli and Samuel also highlights the importance of mentorship. Eli, despite his own weaknesses, played a crucial role in guiding Samuel in his spiritual journey. This teaches us the value of intergenerational discipleship and the importance of passing on spiritual knowledge.
Conclusion
In 1 Samuel 3:18, we see Eli's response to Samuel's revelation, which teaches us valuable lessons about submission to God's will, accountability, and mentorship. As we reflect on this passage, may we be encouraged to surrender to God's sovereignty, take ownership of our actions, and invest in the spiritual growth of others.
