Title: Calling And Timing
Memorize: Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them” Ecclesiastes 12:1 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading 1 Samuel 3: 1-11 (Nkjv):
[1]The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.
[2] One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place.
[3] The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was.
[4] Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.”
[5] And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.
[6] Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”
[7] Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
[8] A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy.
[9] So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
[10] The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
[11] And the Lord said to Samuel: “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle.
Message:
Although I’m happy that the Lord saved my soul, I wish I had given my life totally to Him from my childhood. Perhaps, I wouldn’t have made some mistakes or wasted precious time on sin and frivolities.
I can boldly write that there is no greater joy than cultivating a growing relationship with God from childhood.
Today’s text shows how Samuel started hearing from God at a young age. He nurtured this relationship in God’s presence throughout his lifetime till he became the most respected prophet of Israel in his time.
If secular organizations in the world today set age brackets for specific job vacancies, the Kingdom of God does so too. Jesus said in John 9:4, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work”.
He was drawing attention to the zeal, creativity and optimism of a youth to get things done and meet targets very early because a time would come when age or circumstances may hinder one from working for God. What are you doing with your time?
Bible Quiz:
What was the name of Saul’s daughter that mocked David when he danced?
Action Point:
Put your time at God’s disposal in your youth.
HYMN 8 – FORTH IN YOUR NAME, O LORD, I GO,
1. Forth in your name, O Lord, I go,
My daily labor to pursue,
You only, Lord, resolved to know
In all I think or speak or do.
2. The task your wisdom has assigned
Here let me cheerfully fulfill;
In all my work your presence find,
And prove your good and perfect will.
3. You may I set at my right hand,
Whose eyes my inmost secrets view,
And labor on at your command
And offer all my work to you.
4. Help me to bear your easy yoke
In ev’ry moment watch and pray,
And still to things eternal look
And hasten to that glorious day.
5. Then with delight may I employ
All that your bounteous grace has given,
And run my earthly course with joy,
And closely walk with you in heaven.
Bible Reading in One Year: Jeremiah 50
AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE