KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Saturday, April 08, 2017
Chapters: I Samuel 1-3
Message: Hearing God Calling
Hello My Friend,
The Book of I Samuel contains thirty-one chapters, the author is Samuel and it was written to Israel. The book records the history of three people, Samuel, the last judge of Israel, Saul, the first king, and David, who replaces Saul as king. The timeline for these events took place approximately 1171 BC to 1056 BC. The purpose of the book was to continue to record how God dealt with Israel. What we are to learn from the book is the that being obedient to God is better than sacrifice. “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” – I Samuel 15:22.
Eli was a priest in the temple during the time of judges, he had two sons that he tried to raise up godly, but they were far from it. God was about to use Eli and a woman named Hannah to become a judge, priest, and prophet. As Eli sat outside the temple he noticed Hannah as she was staggering around the temple, talking to herself.
“And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth. Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.” – I Samuel 1:12-18.
“and her countenance was no more sad.” There is something about talking to God that livens us up, especially when someone confirms that God heard our prayers. Most of the time we have to admit when we pray, we really are not expecting God to do anything spectacular. Think about it, when asking God for money to pay a bill, even though we are asking God for it, are we counting on our resources to get it rather than God just giving to us? We have to admit that we have more faith in what we see rather than God giving it to us, but once in a while God gets our whole heart when praying, and that is when we get His attention. “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” – Matthew 21:22.
It is not the family that we are born into that defines us, it is who we get around. We know that Eli was a rather godly priest, but we do not know much about his wife, she must not have been much of a godly influence since their sons had no respect for Eli, or themselves, and even though they were Levites they could care less about God. We learn more about Eli’s son and the reason why God was going to judge them.
“Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD’S people to transgress. If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them. And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.” – I Samuel 2:22-26.
“because the LORD would slay them.” These men already knew they were going to die for their sins so they decided to live recklessly instead of change their ways. How often do people do rebellious things because they have no clue what God is all about? Quite a few. I grew up Catholic and was told everything I did I would go to hell for. Of course, once I knew what salvation was all about and that we are all bound for hell unless we are saved then I began to understand God and what He is all about. We cannot reach God unless we come to Him through Christ first. “All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” – John 10:8-9.
Because of her sacrifice and faithfulness to God, Hannah was blessed with five more children, but every year she would visit Samuel and bring him a new coat. Perhaps he did not completely understand all that was going on with his life or why he only saw his mother once a year, but he grew up knowing God had a plan for his life, even if he had no idea what His Word contained. And for the first time Samuel hears God speak to him.
“And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.” – I Samuel 3:1-7.
“Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD,” Before we get saved God gives us ample opportunities to come to know Him, it is up to us to answer Him when He calls. God revealed Himself to Samuel only when he acknowledged Him, this is a perfect illustration of how often God calls out to people, but many get too distracted from life to realize it is Him calling them. How many people do you think end up in hell because they did not know it was God’s voice telling them about His Son? Even when living for God we can be unaware that God is calling us because we simply are not acknowledging it is Him. We need to pay attention, especially when things do not make sense, and be ready to say, “Here I am.” when God calls. God has blessings for all of us if we would just listen to Him. “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” – Romans 10:12,17.
Jesus Christ Magnified: oday, Jesus is revealed through Samuel who grew in favor with God and man (2:26) When Jesus was a child He grew in favor with God and man also. “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” – Luke 2:40.
Today’s Prayer: God, You have so much to show me, teach me, and have great things just waiting for me, but I admit I often get distracted and do not hear You when You are calling me. God, forgive me for being too distracted to notice You, I know You will even help me if I just acknowledge You. Here I am, Lord, help me to pay attention, to see the signs, to listen for Your voice, even when I have a thousand other voices in my head. Help me to have faith that not only moves mountains, but crushes them. Help me to never cease from praying and to always pray believing. Let me not let any person or desire hinder me from hearing You, and give me the wisdom and guidance I need to study Your Word so I know it is You speaking. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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