The young and immature Samuel lay sound asleep when he
was suddenly awakened by a voice calling his name. Thinking it was Eli, he responded immediately
in order to get direction. However, the sleepy priest had no words to relay—no orders
to give. Thus, he instructed him to return to his bed. After the same actions
were repeated, it was determined that the voice heard in the darkness was that
God. Samuel was then given further instruction. “The next time you hear the voice, perk up and
say, speak Lord your servant is listening.”
This experience led to his being one of the best listeners in the Bible.
As a matter of fact it is said of him that “he let no word of the Lord fall to
the ground.” This meant he took the
words of the Lord seriously grasping hold of each one. I would like to say that
my words are treated with the same respect, however experience has proven
otherwise. There have been those occasions when the response has been less than
favorable. It kind of reminds me of a lawyer, a doctor, and a preacher who went
hunting together. When a prize buck ran past they all fired at the exact same
time and the buck dropped. The problem was that there was only one bullet hole
and they didn't know which of them shot it. They decided to take it to the
registration center, hoping the agent could figure out who could claim the
trophy. The agent said, “Let me look at the deer. Sometimes I can figure it
out.” He asked a few questions, examined the deer carefully, and declared, “The
preacher shot this buck!” Amazed, the other two asked how he knew it was the
preacher. Stooping down he pointed out the wound, “See here. It went in one ear
and out the other.” There are those Sunday’s when I fire away but feel like the
bullet passes through the congregation without finding a lodging place. Yet
hearing the word of the Lord is so important. That’s why Jesus repeatedly said,
“Whoever has ears to hear let him hear.” Our best chance at victory, liberty, hope and
happiness comes when we realize the Holy Spirit positions us to hear the words
of the Lord and when we do that those words are words to hold onto.
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