What role does obedience play in hearing God's call, as seen in 1 Samuel 3? The Setting in Shiloh 1 Samuel 3 shows young Samuel serving in the tabernacle under Eli. Verse 10 captures the turning point: “Then the LORD came and stood there and called as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel answered, ‘Speak, for Your servant is listening.’” Samuel’s Responsive Obedience • Samuel ran to Eli three times, ready to do whatever was asked. • When Eli discerned the voice was the LORD’s, Samuel obeyed the instruction to answer, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” • His simple, willing response positioned him to receive God’s first prophetic message—a difficult word about Eli’s house—yet Samuel relayed it faithfully (vv. 11-18). Obedience was both the door and the proof of genuine hearing. Obedience Unlocks Continued Revelation • Verse 19: “The LORD was with Samuel as he grew, and He let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.” The boy’s initial obedience set a lifelong pattern God could trust. • Hearing without obeying stalls growth; obeying deepens intimacy and clarity (see John 14:21). Obedience and Hearing: Themes across Scripture • John 10:27 — “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” Hearing and following are inseparable. • Luke 11:28 — “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” • James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • Genesis 22 — Abraham heard God’s radical command and obeyed; afterward the LORD affirmed, “Because you have done this… I will surely bless you” (vv. 16-17). • Acts 9 — Saul’s first response after hearing Jesus on the Damascus road was, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Obedience marked his conversion. Results of Obedient Listening • Greater revelation: God entrusts more to hearts proven faithful. • Confirmed calling: Israel “knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD” (1 Samuel 3:20). • Ongoing fellowship: “The LORD continued to appear in Shiloh” (v. 21). • Fruitful ministry: Words carried authority because the messenger walked in submission. Walking It Out Today • Cultivate attentiveness: set aside distractions, expect God to speak through His written Word and by His Spirit. • Practice prompt obedience in small things; it trains the heart for larger assignments. • Measure every perceived leading by Scripture; obedience is never contrary to God’s revealed truth. • Stay teachable as Samuel did with Eli; godly counsel often clarifies the Lord’s voice. • Trust that obedient response invites deeper fellowship and usefulness in God’s purposes. |
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