Being Present: 1 Samuel 3:4-14
God is patient and willing to judge us on the scope of our life, not each individual misstep. Each of us knows what it feels like to make a mistake, and each of us knows what it feels like to correct the mistake. None of us are perfect, but that’s why we have forgiveness and multiple chances. There are things in life important enough to get right the first time, but fortunately most things – especially relationships – involve grace and feeling our way through them.
As Samuel lays in the temple, God calls. The first three calls, Samuel runs to Eli thinking Eli needs him. Eli eventually discerns the voice is God and sends Samuel back after coaching Samuel on how to respond.
Part of me desperately wants to jump on Eli’s case for not caring again. Once more it seems like Eli cannot be bothered by God. Why wouldn’t Eli get up and go with Samuel to help him relate to God? Wy wouldn’t Eli get up and participate in this incredible moment of God coming in person? Even if spirituality isn’t a driving factor, wasn’t Eli curious?
Given past experience, this conclusion is easy to reach. It has been difficult to move Eli to action. It might also be correct that Eli discerns this moment is for Samuel alone. Eli might have discerned this isn’t his place to interfere between God and Samuel. Without knowing his heart, it is difficult to judge Eli here.
Samuel’s response to God’s fourth call is interesting. Samuel replies almost exactly how Eli coached, except Samuel left out the word Lord. What an interesting omission! Why wouldn’t Samuel use God’s title? Furthermore, why doesn’t God seem offended by the omission?
Samuel’s action shows caution. He’s never heard the voice of the Lord before. Hannah taught him about God. His education increased under the priests and Levites who rotated through his life on a yearly basis as they cycled through their duty. He knew God and His character, but he did not yet know God’s voice. Samuel responds, but he holds off on the title until he knows for sure who speaks to him.
The fact that God doesn’t get upset illustrates the understanding of an omnipotent God. God isn’t above judging people; the very message God brings to Samuel is one of judgment against Eli’s household! But God judges as a last resort. God watches, giving time and space for us to figure life out. God gives us attempt after attempt to try, fail, succeed, and ultimately determine why God’s ways are best. He doesn’t expect perfection, but He does want us in relationship with Him, mistakes and all.
As we’ll see in the rest of this book, Samuel responds to God’s voice and walks with Him throughout his entire life. God does not judge Samuel on a cautious first step. God is patient and willing to judge us on the scope of our life, not each individual misstep.
