The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Samuel 3:1-10, “Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD before Eli. And word from the LORD was rare in those days, visions were infrequent.
2 It happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyesight had begun to grow dim and he could not see well),
3 and the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was,
4 that the LORD called Samuel; and he said, “Here I am.”
5 Then he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, lie down again.” So he went and lay down.
6 The LORD called yet again, “Samuel!” So Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he answered, “I did not call, my son, lie down again.”
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor had the word of the LORD yet been revealed to him.
8 So the LORD called Samuel again for the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli discerned that the LORD was calling the boy.
9 And Eli said to Samuel, “Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.'” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

There is something about the inexperience of young children that is delightful! So, with my youth well behind me, I am approaching this passage with both fear and knowledge.

The LORD’s call to the young Samuel was for the purpose of bringing him more completely into the work the LORD had for him to do. Just abiding in the temple was hardly sufficient. He was being prepared to serve the LORD.

I can remember when I heard the LORD’s call upon my life. Like the boy Samuel, I initially possessed no knowledge whatsoever regarding what He wanted of me or what constituted the work. It’s like that with all of the “firsts” in our lives, is it not? Instruction comes before the labor.

Thankfully, Samuel was a “first responder.” He did not initially inquire regarding the call. He simply obeyed. Obedience is vitally important! It enculcates both the “what to do,” as well as the “how to do it.” We all need excellent training before launching out into the LORD’s work!

It took time for young Samuel to understand the Voice of the LORD. It took even more time
for him to learn to do the work with efficiency. Poor old Eli. He, too, even with the years of
dedication and obedience to the LORD, did not immediately discern that the Voice Samuel heard was the Voice of the LORD. Yet, when he did understand, he moved quickly and efficiently into “obedience mode.” When he did, he quickly and clearly instructed Samuel.

There’s nothing quite like obedience! Parents love it, and children love it –when they become parents! And when we reach the age that “looking back” truly becomes “looking forward,” we understand more than ever the value of obedience.

“Am I being obedient to the LORD today?” is an invaluable, daily question. We are where we are in life because the LORD wills it for us. Regardless of age or health or companion-ship, there is daily work to be done for the LORD. Are we listening? Are we obeying? One day we will be called upon to give a full and complete accounting of our faithfulness in stewardship. May He ever and always keep us mindful of that!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom