Day 5–Called by Name
Scripture reading for January 30: 1 Samuel 3:8-10, 21 “And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if He calls you, you shall say, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.” . . . .”And the Lord appeared again at Shiloh, for the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the Word of the Lord.”
The story of Samuel, the young boy who was born to his mother and father as an answer to their prayers for children, helps us to again explore how our Lord calls us. Samuel was born in answer to passionate prayer from his childless mother. Eli, Israel’s priest had accused her of drunkenness until she explained her prayer for a son, promised to the Lord. After he was weaned, he was given back to the Lord to serve at the tabernacle at Shiloh under Eli. While serving there, God spoke to him by calling out his name. Samuel thought it was Eli calling for him and three times he responded. The third time, Eli told him he should respond by answering, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.”
The Scripture goes on to reveal what the Lord told Samuel about the coming judgment of Israel and the corrupt priesthood of Eli. Scripture also notes that God appeared to Samuel and revealed Himself to him through His Word. God’s Word is ultimate truth and is powerful to produce faith and love in us. This all comes through an established relationship with God. He calls to us and knows our name. He reveals Himself to us through His Word and gives us His Name! He provides the Holy Spirit to indwell us and guide us into His Word and walking by faith. Our humble response should be “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears!”
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for the personal calling of us by name. You respond to our need for identity and relationship by inviting conversation. I affirm my desire to hear Your instructions and will respond to Your calling of my name in humility and attentive faith. Amen.
0 thoughts on “Day 5–Called by Name”