And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
Eli’s eyes had grown dim with age and dull with complacency. His sons had turned out to be perverse. The Word of God was precious in those days as there was no open vision. All of this seems to me to be reflected that each night the light of the candle before the ark would go out. There was no one to maintain the oil.
But there was a flicker of light even in this sorry situation. The child Samuel was there. The Lord approached him, but Samuel thought it was Eli. So many mistake the ministry for the Lord. Eli was in such a spiritual stuper he did not immediately recognize God’s work.
“I called not, lie thee down.”
Again, the Lord approached. Again, Samuel came to Eli. Again, Eli missed the nature of this call.
“I called thee not, lie thee down.”
A third time the Lord called. A third time Samuel came to Eli. This time Eli perceived God and gave proper instruction.
“If HE calls again, answer the LORD.”
Now Samuel is ready to hear from God, so now Lord came and stood and called to Samuel.
There is a place for service, a place for ministry, and a place for ministers. But the nearness of the Lord only happens when those are in their place and not put in a place before God.
The sincerest of Christians can make that mistake.
The best of ministers correct it, and point people to the Lord.
To my readers:
Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
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