1 Samuel 3:1 NKJV — Now the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation.
1 Samuel 3:6-7 NKJV — Then the LORD called yet again, “Samuel!” So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” He answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” (Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor was the word of the LORD yet revealed to him.)
Samuel literally lived at the Tabernacle, the place made for God to abide with His people, but it didn’t mean the boy had a relationship with Him.
Proximity didn’t guarantee the relationship.
The relationship began when Samuel heard the Lord calling him, and answered.
1 Samuel 3:8-10 NKJV — And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.” Then Eli perceived that the LORD had called the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”
The relationship began here.
This close relationship with God lasted throughout Samuel’s lifetime,.
All because Samuel didn’t just do the things which were part of worshiping God, he didn’t just live at the place of worship.
Samuel spoke with God, listened to God, and obeyed Him.
1 Samuel 3:19-20NKJV — So Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the LORD.
It’s not enough to just attend services or give offerings or to occasionally see what God’s Word says, if one is to have a relationship with God Almighty.
A relationship with Christ Jesus begins with accepting Him, and who the Bible says He is.
Then it grows through time in the Word, prayer, sound Biblical teaching, and fellowship with those who also are growing in their relationship with Jesus.
Faith is a beautiful thing, but it can be fragile.
Not unlike a beautiful potted plant, which requires time, sunshine, and care for it to grow, spread, and blossom, our faith needs care, our relationship with God needs to be a priority.
Being near the plant, but never tending it means it will shrivel and die, and the same thing can happen to our faith if we neglect our walk with Christ.
Even the disciples understood just being near Jesus wasn’t enough, after all it was one of His own who eventually betrayed Him.
Luke 17:5-6 NKJV — And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You that You long to have a relationship with each one of us and You died to make the way open for us. Lord Jesus, please continue to teach us about faith and building our relationship in You. Please continue to show us how to walk with integrity and truth, that we might not fall prey to the enemy. Lord Jesus, there is sacrifice in serving You, there is a cost to relationship, because You paid so much more than we could ever pay, I humbly request that You help each one of us to willing lay down anything which is hindering our relationship with You. Lord, if there is sin, reveal it. If there is pride uncover it. If there is bitterness, envy, or selfish ambition let it be seen, that we may repent and return to You and righteousness. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for Your everlasting love. I praise Your holy name, Jesus. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 