I have been reading the poignant story of Samuel, prophet of Israel. As I've read, two themes in Samuel's life have become clear to me: the calling, and the legacy. Here are some reflections.If anyone had a sense of calling in their lives, Samuel did. I envied him as a child. God spoke directly, calling Samuel when he was yet a young boy. Samuel, directed by the priest Eli, responded to God's calling, "Speak, Lord."
"Speak, for your servant is listening!" It's not a plea to "Please ask me to serve you, God!" It's a response! He started with the knowledge of being chosen, of being called upon.
As a child I used to lie in bed at night, straining my ears. I wanted to hear God calling my name. I was ready, with my response practiced and memorized: "Speak, Lord, for your servant heareth." (God spoke King James English back then.) For what seemed hours--it was probably minutes--in the dark of night, I'd lie there, listening, ... then listening harder. Surely God wanted to call me! He would have found a willing and eager servant.
The call did not come, at least in any audible way.
I think this touches on the deep desire that many of us have, those of us who have chosen to believe. We want to respond to a calling from God. We want to do something of significance. We want our lives to have meaning. We do not want to pass through this world and have left no good effect. We want to see a clear way to make the world a better place using our own particular gifts.
It's not a matter of people knowing who we are, although some of us do care about that. It's a desire to work hand-in-hand with a God who wants me. Me!
How blessed Samuel was to grow up with the sure knowledge that he was called! The Bible says, "And the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord." (1 Sam. 2:21) I can only imagine what it must be like to grow up knowing that God is present with you every day and has a special task for you to do. What must it be like to walk into a room, or out in the fields, or to play with other children and be aware that God is present with you at every moment? It had to affect who Samuel was, his sense of identity and what he believed he could accomplish.
Even on the days when things didn't go so well, when he second-guessed himself as to a decision he'd made as a judge of Israel, or when his sons were behaving badly and frustrating the people, he could still look back and say to himself, "But God called me, so something I am doing must be significant, must be making a difference in this world."
A calling is a powerful thing.
[To be continued]
It was not customary for the Levites to enter upon their peculiar services until they were twenty-five years of age, but Samuel had been an exception to this rule. Every year saw more important trusts committed to him; and while he was yet a child, a linen ephod was placed upon him as a token of his consecration to the work of the sanctuary. Young as he was when brought to minister in the tabernacle, Samuel had even then duties to perform in the service of God, according to his capacity. These were at first very humble, and not always pleasant; but they were performed to the best of his ability, and with a willing heart. His religion was carried into every duty of life. He regarded himself as God's servant, and his work as God's work. His efforts were accepted, because they were prompted by love to God and a sincere desire to do His will. It was thus that Samuel became a co-worker with the Lord of heaven and earth. And God fitted him to accomplish a great work for Israel.
ReplyDeleteIf children were taught to regard the humble round of everyday duties as the course marked out for them by the Lord, as a school in which they were to be trained to render faithful and efficient service, how much more pleasant and honorable would their work appear. To perform every duty as unto the Lord, throws a charm around the humblest employment and links the workers on earth with the holy beings who do God's will in heaven.
Success in this life, success in gaining the future life, depends upon a faithful, conscientious attention to the little things. Perfection is seen in the least, no less than in the greatest, of the works of God. The hand that hung the worlds in space is the hand that wrought with delicate skill the lilies of the field. And as God is perfect in His sphere, so we are to be perfect in ours. The symmetrical structure of a strong, beautiful character is built up by individual acts of duty. And faithfulness should characterize our life in the least as well as in the greatest of its details. Integrity in little things, the performance of little acts of fidelity and little deeds of kindness, will gladden the path of life; and when our work on earth is ended, it will be found that every one of the little duties faithfully performed has exerted an influence for good--an influence that can never perish.
The youth of our time may become as precious in the sight of God as was Samuel. By faithfully maintaining their Christian integrity, they may exert a strong influence in the work of reform. Such men and women are needed at this time. God has a work for every one of us. Never did men and women achieve greater results for God and humanity than may be achieved in this our day by those who will be faithful to their God-given trust.
Consecrate yourself to God in the morning, when you first get up; make this your first work. Let your prayer be, “Take me, O Lord, as wholly thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.” This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ.
Above the distractions of earth God sits enthroned. All things are open to His divine survey, and from His great and calm eternity, He orders that which his providence sees best for us. He has a wonderful plan for your life. God bless you.
"And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his (her)eyes, that he (she) may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man (women)..." 2Kings 6:17
God will richly bless you. I can't wait to see how! Arthur