- 1 Samuel 3 Daily DEVO Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. 1 Samuel 3:1 – It’s often in the quiet times when our faith is truly tested. It can be easy to follow God at a summer camp when you’re surrounded by worship. It can be easy to follow God when you see God moving in your own life mightily. Yet how about the times when “camp” is over or the times when you don’t see God moving at all? We see Samuel devoting himself to the work God was calling him to and he was doing it even when the moving of God was rarely seen. He stayed faithful in the quiet times and so can you. As we see later in the chapter, just because God was quiet doesn’t mean He’s wasn’t watching what was happening in their story or being inactive in it. Know quietness from God and confusion because it seems like you’re not getting the answer you’re praying for isn’t a sign He’s not there or not listening. Trust He is working still and continue following Him during the quiet times. God is continuing His faithfulness to you at all times, so should we with Him. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 403
- The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 1 Samuel 3:3 – One thing that brings me joy is when I see someone crash out asleep at my place. Sure, maybe it’s it’s because I was too boring, or maybe they just had a long day. Whatever their reason they must have felt safe enough there and comfortable enough with us to fall asleep. Here Samuel was lying down in the temple of God. He felt safe there and comfortable enough there in the God’s presence to rest. When we live faithfully we too find a peace to rest in the presence of God. We aren’t constantly on watch trying to cover up our sins or too shameful to even approach Him. We know our lives are honoring Him and we feel a comfort in His presence. Know your ability to be in the presence of God isn’t dependent on your faithfulness, that’s all on Jesus and His sacrifice He made on the cross. Yet how we feel in the presence of God depends on how faithfully we are following Him. So today, could you sleep in God’s house? If not, why not? Talk with God about just that so you can rest with Him. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1628
- Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 1 Samuel 3:9 – At this time it is believed Samuel was around 12 years old, he is living in the temple, serving there daily. We learn up to this point Samuel didn’t know the Lord and didn’t yet have God’s word revealed to Him, which says something about the religious state of Israel if someone living in the temple of the Lord for 12 years didn’t know the Lord. While Samuel didn’t know the Lord, the Lord knew Samuel and was desiring him to be His servant. The Lord calls to Samuel three times, yet the boy doesn’t realize it’s the Lord, nor would he know how to answer the Lord anyways, so he goes to his teacher instead. Thankfully Eli, his teacher, clues into what’s going on and properly guides Samuel on how to answer the Lord’s call. We too ought to strive to be people that guides others on how to follow the Lord. We live in a culture that doesn’t know the Lord and we even attend churches that have individuals that don’t know how to respond or follow the Lord. Let us be like Eli in this passage and take the time to speak into the life of someone that doesn’t currently know how to respond to or follow Jesus. This is what discipleship, making disciples, is all about. As a coach would train up an athlete or a boss guides an employee, let us lean into other’s lives so they know how to live for Jesus. Who then is someone in your life right now that may not know how to live for Jesus that you can begin walking alongside of? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2880
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