SOAP 04/08/2014; 1 Samuel 3:21

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 3, 4, 5; Psalm 77; 2 Corinthians 8

S) "²¹ And the Lord appeared again at Shiloh, because the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord."

1 Samuel 3:21 (NASB)

O) The first verse of this chapter said, "And word from the Lord was rare in those days, visions were infrequent." It was not like the early history of God’s people. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob each heard from the LORD. Then, with Moses and Joshua, you had leaders that heard directly from the LORD. As rolled on through the judges, the leaders who heard from God clearly, honestly, and accurately, were becoming fewer and farther between. Then, in steps a new priest, a true prophet, the young Samuel. The thing about prophets, though, is that they are usually proven after the fact. So, when Samuel declared that God said something, the revelation of the LORD was confirmed when the word came to pass. I almost wrote about v.1 of this chapter, because it reminded me of our current church. It certainly seems like it’s hard to find a head pastor who is hearing from the LORD, having clear, honest vision. But, when I read this last verse, it occurred to me, that the biggest difference between Samuel’s time and ours, is that the LORD revealed Himself to all of us, by the Word, Jesus Christ. Now, through the Bible, we have the revelation of His word available to us at all times.

A) The difficulty we face, is when we think we have a problem that does not seem to be answered, at least easily, by Scripture directly. Really, though, I need to remember to seek God directly. Just as with Samuel, I can hear directly from God, according to His will to speak so. The Holy Spirit within me can absolutely speak the word of God directly to me, straight into my heart, if not straight into my ears. That can be confusing, though, and very difficult to discern. Then, it’s a matter of the second half of the above verse, though. I need to take what I hear, or “hear,” and measure it up by the Word. God is not a liar, He does not contradict Himself, and He does not change. If what I heard does not align with Scripture, then I heard incorrectly. If what I heard is in alignment, then I should proceed with all faith, courage, and confidence in the word of the LORD.

P) Father, I long to hear You in my life. I thank You that I am born at a time and place, where the Bible is easily accessible. Let me never take that for granted, but also let me hear Your voice, LORD. According to Your will, not mine, speak to me about my life. Instruct me, warn me, encourage me, discipline me; direct my life daily, God. I want to be led by You, according to Your revelation, by Your word. There are many unknown things in my future, and I know that You intend to keep a lot of that a mystery, but I know there are things for which I need to prepare. There are missions to which I will be called. I want to be ready. Show me how to prepare, how to be obedient. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.