PROXIMITY & OBEDIENCE
I Samuel 3:6-7
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.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord. The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.”
“Go back to bed!” As parents of three perfect little angels, this phrase still gets plenty of use within the Lyzenga household. After the hustle and bustle of a full work day- extracurriculars, homework, dinner, cleanup, bedtime routines- you’ll often find my wife and I melting into the cushions of our favorite spots on the couch. Yet, just as we settle into an episode of our latest favorite show, here comes the pitter-patter of one of our kids down the stairs and around the corner for one last snuggle, or to share something of grave importance.
As I read today’s text, I couldn’t help but imagine the patience of old Eli gently telling young Samuel to go back to bed -not once, or twice, but three times! Yet, what strikes me even more than Eli’s patience is the actions of Samuel.
Samuel hears God’s call three times, but doesn’t recognize it, mistaking it for the voice of Eli. Each time, he gets up, certain it’s Eli calling, and each time, he returns to bed at Eli’s instruction. Samuel responds with immediate obedience prior to any understanding. (What must that be like?!?) By the third call, Eli realizes something more is going on, and rather than dismissing Samuel impatiently, he instructs him, “… if he calls you, say, ‘Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” And once again, Samuel obeys.
It’s remarkable how young Samuel responds with such faith and obedience in what must have been a confusing and unsettling middle-of-the-night experience. Again, my kids are perfect little angels, but I can’t imagine them responding quite so calmly to a mysterious voice calling their name in the dark.
In verses 2 & 3, we learn that “Eli was lying down in his usual place… and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was.” Though verse 7 tells us “Samuel did not yet know the Lord,” he must have known enough from his time with Eli to know this was where he needed to be. Samuel was resting and remaining near the presence of God. He heard God, because he was there. And though initially unclear, his proximity to God’s presence created an opportunity for God to speak to him, and eventually, through him as a prophet to all of Israel.
Samuel’s willingness to get up, to listen, and to submit himself to God’s call with a simple “Speak, for your servant is listening” reveals a powerful truth that oftentimes availability comes before understanding, and clarity may only come through humble obedience first.
Samuel heard and came to understand God’s call not because he had it all figured out in advance, but because he remained near to God, available, willing, and obedient. Perhaps we don’t need to understand more, but to listen better. Not to demand answers, but to offer ourselves. To remain close even when God feels quiet. To respond to him, even when it feels unclear. May we learn to remain near to God and available to his call. And when it comes, may our response be also, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”