01/30/2023
This morning I ask you to join me in contemplating those times when God has spoken to you. It may have been in a feeling you couldn't shake, a dream, in a voice only you could hear, by signs, or maybe in a vision. Is there a time when you realized that you were engaged in a "God Moment?"
This happened throughout the Bible, and it happens today. What is interesting is how God's voice is accepted and used. Let's look at one instance in particular; God speaking to Samuel.
“And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.”
1 Samuel 3:2-4 KJV
Samuel wasn't expecting God to speak to him. As a matter of fact, when God spoke, Samuel thought Eli was calling him.
“And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.”
1 Samuel 3:5 KJV
This occurred three times before, on the fourth, Samuel realized who was calling to him... and God gave him bad news regarding Israel and the family of Eli.
“And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.”
1 Samuel 3:10-12 KJV
It is hard to tell people that God has spoken to you, even to those who are of the faith. Bad news is even harder to deliver, and so... Samuel was reluctant to tell Eli what God had confided in Him. But, Eli knew, from Samuel's behavior, that God had spoken and he prompted Samuel to tell him every detail.
“And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision. Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I. And he said, What is the thing that the Lord hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide anything from me of all the things that he said unto thee.”
1 Samuel 3:15-17 KJV
This same reluctance in those of faith today is the reason so many say that there are no prophets in the modern day church. When God speaks it is rationalized away, or in many cases ignored as being the product of an overactive imagination. We have so removed ourselves from the direct interaction with God that He would have to hit us with a club before we would pay attention to Him. We need more Elis to say "What is the thing that the Lord hath said unto thee?"
Several years ago my wife's uncle had served communion on Sunday morning. He had recently been replaced as the Senior Pastor by a younger man and was now the Pastor Emeritus of our church. His sister, my mother in law, was suffering from dementia and I had been bringing her to church every Sunday. So at the conclusion of the communion service I walked her through the foyer outside the sanctuary and let her greet her brother as we passed him.
She was so excited to speak with him, it was an incredibly special moment and I reached out my hand and lovingly placed it upon the Pastor's shoulder. When I did it felt like electricity ran up my arm and I heard the words "This is the last time." I quickly pulled my hand back and then in disbelief I reached forward again... the voice said again, "This is the last time!" No one heard but me.
What did this mean and why had this happened to me. It frightened me; I was afraid that the word was for our aging Pastor and that something dire was going to happen. So like Samuel I didn't want to tell him, or his family. I was afraid.
When God speaks to us it isn't just to bring us into His inner circle... He has a purpose in mind. Has God spoken to you in a dream or by some sign and yet you did nothing with it? Did your fear of being embarrassed or hurting someone prevent you from revealing what you had been told? Were you waiting, like Samuel, for Eli to tell you what to do?
Well, in my case I told my wife, the family of my pastor emeritus, my closest spiritual mentor, and my Senior Pastor. None knew the answer, but in time I knew it... that morning was the last time that my mother in law took communion in our church. She was moved into a nursing home the next week and attended services there from that day forward. God's voice to me came as an affirmation of His calling, and a sign for others to see.
Don't deafen yourself to the voice of God, listen for His shout, or His whisper; feel His gentle touch, or the violent shove... hear Him each time He speaks, and in all of its forms. Then move on what He says. Trust in Him and His purpose.
There will be many times when a dream will be nothing more than a slice of pizza eaten too late in the evening, or a happenstance that appeared to be prophetic, but if you pray and ask "Is that you Lord?" He will answer and let you know.
Another interesting thing about the story of Samuel is that God didn't tell him what to do with the information he had been given. That was left open for him to decide; but, as it so happened, Eli asked him to reveal the vision. What we do with a vision or some other word from God requires further prayer and interpretation... then, we must exhibit faith and courage in delivering the message.
What, if anything, will God give to you, and how will you use it in conjunction with His will? When He speaks will you recognize His voice?
Prayer:
Father, let us hear your voice when you speak and give us the wisdom and knowledge to know how you would have us use your revelation. Guide us Lord in understanding those subtle, and often not so subtle, messages you would have us hear, and then show us your will in them. Holy Father, we know that all men are not pastors, nor deacons, nor prophets, but if your Word comes... let us hear the call you have for us... let us answer as Samuel did when he said "Speak; for thy servant heareth." Then use us as the bearer of your Word in service to your good will. Teach us to recognize the sound of your voice, and to always obey your will in revealing your message... in obeying your desires.
Rich Forbes