1 Samuel 3
The Boy and his Mentor (vv.1-10)
Being a parent and a teacher, I think Samuel is just like any other boy. With good supervision, established routines, and upright standards, any child can learn obedience, diligence, and responsibility. Eli did a good job in providing that environment to Samuel. The boy fulfilled his duties from morning to night and attended to the old priest promptly and with respect. We usually admire Samuel’s uncomplaining compliance in this chapter. But Eli was as patient and tolerant too. Upon realizing it was the Lord who was calling Samuel, he gently instructed him how to respond next time. To think it was already late night and being old also means numerous discomforts. I for one would not gladly welcome unexcused sleep interruptions. Make that three times! But maybe, the delight of being a ‘lolo’ to any child made a lot of difference. Maybe because he failed as a father to Hophni and Phinehas that he saw his second chance in Samuel. I believe Eli treated him well. Respect begets respect.
Application:
Matthew 12:33 "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.” All parents in one way or another pass on good and bad things to their children. As children, we inherit their genes, diseases, habits, and unfortunately for some, even debts :< I have to admit I sometimes catch myself doing the things I say I hate seeing my mom do. And now, my jaw drops seeing my little kids mimicking my every funny and unguarded violent reactions! The truth of God’s word in Exodus 20:5-6 is a good reminder for us “I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” We may be part of the curse because of the disobedience of those who lived before us, but we are also responsible for the generation following us. We have to choose to cut the rope now. Not only for the future of our children, but moreso, because we bear the name of being called God’s children. Honor begets honor.
The Boy and God’s Message (vv.11-18)
Verse one gave a scenario that the word of the Lord was rare at this time and there were not many visions. When a usually quiet person speaks (my husband, for example), we take it as an important matter and a special occasion :> And yet God chose a boy, and the message? Judgment! Parents would not have that as a first Bible lesson to their kids. It is a complicated topic, too violent for a young mind, and not really a charmer for their first encounter with God’s word. But God is training the young prophet to speak His word, regardless of personal relevance or audience relationship or content preference. What is admirable is that Samuel kept it to himself until morning. He feared it would cause the old man much grief. Only upon Eli’s inquiry (and a warning that God will deal with him severely if he’ll withhold any detail) that the boy told him everything. God calls us to preach the Word, but He also wants us to speak His truth in love. A delicious meal served in a filthy plate forfeits the pleasure. Even to the hungry, it will sure fill up their stomachs, but they will accuse the giver as inhumane. How much more a message of wrath. There is no way it could lighten a load. But it makes a lot of difference if we try to be more considerate, choose to speak with grace and season it with salt. Hate the sin but continue to love the sinner. It is how God’s kingdom works.
Application:
God can use anything and everyone to get our attention. Even kids like Samuel were used in the Bible to deliver a message or as object lessons to those thrice their age. Seeing their innocence and simplicity, honestly and straightforwardness, it is unlikely for us to respond offensively (I don’t know about ‘impulsively’, haha!). We had our share of this just the other night. Around 11p.m., our son Rilian screamed and we found him on his toes, facing the windows. It would be more ‘normal’ if it’s the other way around, that is, towards the door. Trying to fight back his tears, he exclaimed: “Ang dami zombies!”. We were playing Plants vs Zombies that night and it resulted to a bad dream. I can only imagine how fearful that is for a four year old boy. As parents, we have tried to keep him from being afraid of the dark, or watching violent or horror dvds, or begged his tita not to use Pinoy terms like ‘mumu’ to scare him off. This game subtly crept in and appeared harmless. I even custom-ordered zombie shirts for Tris’ birthday last month. We were fanatics. Tris confessed God already convicted him months ago to delete that game because as a designer, God showed him that these creatures distort God’s beautiful design in creation. God used our son to wake him up the second time. And we can’t ignore it now because it’s affecting our kids. In obedience to being responsible parents, and in honor of our Creator, we deleted the game, threw the shirts and all our dvds which could be an entry point for fear to have a hold in our family. We again prayed for His rule and protection in the house. Now we know better not to take lightly the Spirit’s conviction, for we will experience His bigger shake even through these small packages!
The Boy as God’s Mouthpiece (vv.19-21)
Before his name and work became known, this young boy’s establishment as a prophet began with these words: “The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up”. God’s calling and presence is prerequisite to all our undertakings. It is God-initiated. How He distinctly wired us for a purpose is for us to discover through faithful reading of His word, being in tune with the Spirit, watching His symphonized working in circumstances, and through people. It takes humility to accept both success and failure, even more to receive either praise or criticism. But it’s a necessary confirmation to one’s calling. For where God sends you, He will bless you. Please note that blessings do not necessarily mean abundance. It sometimes disguises itself as hardship for His glory (and your character) to beautifully unfold. And when we are walking alongside His will, just like Samuel, none of our words will fall on the ground and people will recognize HIM. Let me repeat that: not us, but God in us! The Lord continued to reveal Himself to Samuel that it blessed all Israel. We are His vessels, channels to His blessings. And the honor of being first to be touched by God is peerless. When we’re asked to comfort another, it is because we experienced being comforted first. When asked to seek that one lost sheep, know that we were once lost but now found by Him. Or when asked to love our enemies, remember Jesus suffered from and for US too. We can never outgive God. Seek His Kingdom and righteousness and all these things, more than you could ask or imagine, will be given to you as well.
Application:
God was with Samuel as he grew up.. and continued to reveal Himself to him. How I wish it will be the same for my life, and my children. But it is possible! It is what God desires – a constant, continuing communion with Him. The problem lies on our side of the story or should I say, when we put the weight of the doing on our backs. It is God’s work to initiate, ours to respond. He reveals, we obey. We always take our cue from Him. When we do great things for God, be sure the instruction is from Him, and not our thought-best for Him. Martha worked, Mary sat down. Martha complained, Mary was commended. Samuel’s role is simply to relay what God has said. Isn’t that easier than trying to conceptualize another brilliant idea? He has the answer in all life’s questions. From marriage to parenting, career and money matters, friendship and leadership issues, the Bible has it all. We just have to give Him our time. Jesus was God’s Son and yet He spent His early mornings alone with the Father. He did not create us to decipher life with a DIY manual. He is the God of relationships that even in our reading of His already revealed Word, His Spirit guides our understanding. But apart from that relationship, even the wisest among us will see nothing but foolishness in Scriptures. We cannot know His ways if we do not know God. But the moment we take that step towards Him, it will uncover an exciting and satisfying journey to His unfathomable and infinite wisdom and glory! I’ll take that plunge!
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