Samuel was a young person assisting Eli the priest in the temple.  The Bible tells us that there were no frequent visions in those days…the word of the Lord was rare.     Samuel was lying down in the temple one night sleeping near the ark of God, considered to be the most holy place at that time.  The Lord called Samuel and he immediately responded, “Here I am!”.

(“Through His Eyes”, painting by Jean Pederson)

Samuel did not realize it was God who was calling him.  That was a totally unknown and unexpected experience for him.  He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am.  You called me.”  Eli groggily replied, ” Not me.  Go back to sleep”  God called Samuel three times and each time the boy ran to Eli saying, “Here I am!”  Eli finally realized the Lord was calling.  He told Samuel to go lie down and if the Lord called again he should reply, “Speak Lord, for your servant hears.”.  God spoke and told Samuel that he was about to do a thing in Israel at which “the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.”  Yikes!  That is quite descriptive!   There were some pretty harsh words that would have to be proclaimed to the people.  I wonder if Samuel was scared to death?  Or perhaps he thought he would be a Superhero?

Samuel seemed to move forward in his journey of life confidently trusting in God’s calling.  He grew and the Lord was with him.  All of Israel knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord. (I Samuel 3: 19-20)).

I wonder if sometimes God just wants us to simply say “Yes, here I am Lord.”  Then we watch and listen for God to explain what the calling looks like, to direct our path, and to empower us to live that calling….just a step at a time.

I love the words of the song, “Here I am Lord, is it I Lord?  I have heard you calling in the night.  I will go Lord, if you lead me.  I will hold your people in my heart.” (Words and music by Dan Schutte)

As I reflect upon my own calling, it is that last phrase that holds all the meaning…”I will hold your people in my heart.”  Yes! That’s it!  If that love is not present, then nothing else matters!

Pondering…

What were you like as a child?  Is there a story that exemplifies you as a child?

Have you ever said “YES” to God without fully realizing what that meant?

Do you  feel that you have ever “held God’s people in your heart”?

nk