After these dynamic leaders, Israel divided into tribes at
war with each other requiring a series of judges for these precarious times.
God needed someone to speak because, “The Word of the Lord
was rare in those times” and “all the people did what was right in their own
eyes”
God’s call begins with Hannah, who is barren, begging God
for a child, and while praying, Eli, the priest, enters.
Eli tells Hannah that her prayer will be answered.
Hannah gives birth presenting the child to the LORD, which
is similar to baptism or the dedication of an infant
Samuel, is sleeping in the temple with the ark of the
covenant when, three times hears a voice calling and each time goes to Eli.
Eli doesn’t get it right away but finally tells Samuel to say,
“Speak, for your servant is listening”.
What does Samuel’s story tell us about God’s calling.
God speaks through people.
We may miss God’s call because we think it’s coming from a
person.
Perhaps when some says repeatedly, “Have you thought about
feeding the hungry?” it’s God calling you to feed the hungry.
God speaks softly
It took Samuel going to Eli three times before Eli realized
what was happening showing us a call may be a quiet, slow awakening to that
call.
God speaks for justice
God’s call often involves working to change broken human
systems leading one down difficult paths.
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