HE THAT HATH EARS TO HEAR!

HE THAT HATH EARS TO HEAR!

1 Sam 3:9-10

9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel.

           If you will travel north in this third chapter to verse eight you will note that Samuel heard and misunderstood the voice of the lord three times! I wonder how many times every day that we hear His voice from someone else? I am reminded of an old Simon & Garfunkle song which contained these words: “the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls – heed them all.” If we are to hear the voice of God we must listen carefully and sometimes pay attention to those whom the rest of the world ignores.

           Now our nation and our churches are stumbling in the darkness of extravagance and wastefulness, in the relaxation of disciplined morals, and in the widespread rebellion against God. At these times God calls not just for a servant but for a prophet. The call often comes in the midst of ordinary days and ordinary activities. He called Samuel while lying down to sleep. Peter, James and John were called while washing their fishing nets.

           Chance encounters seldom are! We are encouraged in Hebrews 13:2 to pay close attention to strangers because they may be unsuspected angels. I think it would also be wise to listen to strangers and perhaps to children for the voice of God.

           Paul’s classic question, “who art thou Lord,” after being blinded by God’s glory was to verify what he suspected. Who are you? I suspect you may be the Lord! His next question changed his life. He asked: “What wilt thou have me to do?”

Dear Lord, in the midst of the noise of this day, please speak to me the words I need to hear. Let me listen carefully that I might hear your voice from unsuspected places. AMEN