THE K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S
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place as prophet— a place of honor. Samuel is to form an acquaintance with God and to be the mouthpiece of God to kindred and kings. There are three things here that are suggestive of Samuel’s character: His unconscious worth. He did not think God could call him— a twelve- year-old lad. God could use a good many of them today, could He get them. “ Out of the mouths of babes and suck lings thou hast perfected praise.” (Matt. 21:16). His unconditional obedience. “ Speak, Lord.” '‘Give me your message. What are your orders? You are the Master. I am the bond-slave.” His unfeigned devotion. “ Thy serv ant heareth.” To hear is to understand, to obey. “ I am at thy disposal.. Here am I— send me.” (3) THE CURSE UPON ELI’S SONS. This was a hard message for God to give to Samuel and a hard message for him to have to repeat to the man of God whom he had learned to love. A curse was to come upon the house of Eli. Judgment was to begin at the door of the tabernacle (2:27-31). . Samuel feared to tell Eli, but the old judge insisted and Samuel did so, telling all the truth concerning God’s purpose. Eli bowed his head and his will to God’s decree. “ It is the Lord; Let Him do what seemeth Him good.” PRACTICAL POINTS (1) Every command of God is a call, and every call is a command. (2) The ways and work of God are not after the wish and wisdom of man. (3) God gives a certificate and creden tials to all whom He calls. (4) A mother’s prayers proved of ,moment to a whole people. (5) Even a child is known by his do ing, whether his ways be pure and whether they be right.
The call of God to Samuel suggests the naturalness of God’s dealings with men. For Moses— a burning bush; for Paul— a blazing light. For. the child Samuel— a voice “ Samuel” . Three times it came. Samuel naturally thought that Eli had called, but he found that a Greater than Eli was there. Eli had sensed the matter and kindly admonished Samuel. Here was a Divine call. Eli’s lamp was fast flickering. It was going out. Old age was upon him. A symbol of Israel’s condition. Darkness was set tling over Israel. Eli’s sons were given over to sinful practices and bringing disgrace upon the priestly office, and upon their sainted father. God had al ready given the warning to Eli. (2: 27-31). The third time the Lord appeared in person “ He came and stood” and said ‘‘Samuel, Samuel,” and the lad in obedience to Eli’s instruction answered, “ Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth.” In this reply you have the key to the life of a great man, as you have ,the key to Paul’s life in the answer which he gave to the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus, “ What wilt thou have me to do?” revealing the attitude of soul in its surrender to the will of God. Here is a lesson for the child and for the man who desires to live a happy, restful, peaceful, victorious Christian life. “ Speak to me, Lord. What is thy will?” Trie very attitude which the Son of God manifested to His Father,— “ I delight to do Thy wifi.” A direct call: Samuel heard his name arid supposed it was Eli’s voice. God speaks to us personally. Listen for His message. He calls us by name, “ Adam, where art thou?” A decisive call: Three times— a trinity of calls—-a call from the Triune God. Eli sleeps. It is the sleep of sin. He cannot respond to the call, but he recognizes it as God’s call to Samuel. A duty ¿all: A call to service— to a
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