These are the words which Eli the priest advised young Samuel to say to God the next time
God called him, (1 Sam. 3:9). There is much wisdom contained in these words, which would
benefit each of us to seriously ponder. Consider the attitude of heart which is displayed when
these words are seriously spoken, even today.
1. It is wise to let God “speak.” We sometimes are too quick to speak ourselves. In religious
matters, people usually have strong opinions, and are prone to offer them prematurely. It requires
self control, discipline, humility and respect, to pause first, check our tongue, and let God speak.
God is speaking through his word, the Bible, (2 Tim. 3:16-17). He has also demonstrated his
everlasting power and divinity through the created universe, (Rom. 1:20). The question is, Are
we listening? When it comes to spiritual direction, are we “waiting upon the Lord,” (Is. 40:31)?
Or, are we too quick to state our own position, our own preferences?
I sometimes feel that we are guilty of undervaluing the public reading of God’s word in our
worship services. When God’s word is read to us, God is speaking. We should probably be
standing, with heads bowed in reverence, recognizing that this is certainly one of the most
important things we will do that day. More important, perhaps, then our prayers and our singing
– where we are doing the talking. It is very wise to let God speak.
2. It is wise to acknowledge that our God is “Lord.” The word “Lord” is a title of respect.
It reminds us that our God is not merely a friend and companion. He is not a co-equal party to
our conversations – he is the absolute ruler of our lives.
When people on any job site forget who is the boss, chaos results. In any country, any
jurisdiction, when people insist on doing “what is right in their own eyes,” anarchy is soon to
follow. As Christians, we are not tending our own vineyard, we are working in the vineyard of
the Lord. He is the boss, and his relationship to us is more than merely as an advisor or consultant.
His word on any matter settles the question for the faithful Christian.
3. It is wise to acknowledge that we are God’s “servants.” The word “servant” is used in
the Bible to describe our relationship to Jesus Christ, and it suggests one of slavery and
unquestioning obedience. We are not the master, we are the slaves.
Jesus placed the matter into very clear perspective: “Even so ye also, when ye shall have done
all the things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that
which it was our duty to do,” (Lk. 17:10). There is no room for bragging or boasting. There is no
occasion to feel we have earned our salvation, or even earned any reward from God. The works
that we do, when added all together, still are “unprofitable,” because we are still saved by the
grace of God, (Eph. 2:8-10).
4. It is wise to continuously reaffirm that we are listening to, or “hearing” God. To “hear”
God involves much more than sensing the audible sounds when his word is read aloud. It implies
an attitude of submission and obedience. It says that when we hear what is said, we will listen to
it and obey.
To truly “hear” God requires us to give up our own biases and prejudices. It requires that we
soften our hearts. “Today if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts,” (Heb. 4:7). Jesus
taught this important principle in his oft-repeated phrase, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear,”
(Mt. 11:15; 13:9, 43, etc.). Jesus knew that not everyone who sits and listens to a gospel sermon,
or reads a challenging Bible passage, is going to put it into practice in their lives. Hence the
exhortation to “hear God.”
The next time you listen to a gospel sermon, or read your Bible, remember that God is
speaking. He may be speaking through a ministering servant, a gospel preacher who is delivering
the message of salvation, or through the inspired word. May all of us try to earnestly adopt the
attitude which Eli was advising for young Samuel. May we humbly say in our hearts, “Speak
Lord, for thy servant heareth!”
– by Robert C. Veil, Jr.
