Monday musings
The greatest breakthroughs often come amidst the darkest of days.
"word from the LORD was rare in those days, visions were infrequent. It happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyesight had begun to grow dim and he could not see well), and the lamp of God had not yet gone out" (1 Samuel 3.1-2)
Those were oppressively dark days. Communication from the Creator was rare; the high priest was nearly blind (in more ways than one); and, the lamp of God - representing His presence - had dimmed to a mere flicker. True light and life hung on by a mere thread. But, against the backdrop of these dark days, something dramatic was at hand; the silence was about to be broken. A young boy named Samuel was about to hear an audible voice from Yahweh God, and this was the message received: "The LORD said to Samuel, 'Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.' " (1 Samuel 3.11) Judgement was about to fall on a wicked priest and his family, and a disobedient nation would have benefit of a genuine prophet of God in their midst. "Thus Samuel grew and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fail. All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD." (1 Samuel 3.19-20)
There are similarities in our times and circumstances. We live in a land in which the word of God is diminished, spiritual sight is dimmed, and the lamp and presence of our Father has been reduced to a mere flicker. This might also be descriptive of our own personal lives. Either way, this dark backdrop might serve as the perfect setting for a new work and word from our Father.
Young Samuel, it says, "did not yet know the LORD, nor had the word of the LORD yet been revealed to him." (1 Samuel 3.7) It took three attempts from the LORD to finally get Samuel's attention, so that he might hear and know the LORD. Perhaps we have a similar problem hearing His word, and listening. But, when the breakthrough comes, "both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle." His truth will come with clarity, and will be life transforming.
Are you listening today for His voice? Because He has given us His written word, that voice will largely reverberate from the pages of what you read in the Bible. What new thing is He trying to teach you? What new territories of faith and obedience is He leading you to? If you are willing and responsive, He will guide you there.
"Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Seek out silence and solitude, and listen carefully to His voice. Regardless of what He will say, the experience of knowing Him better will be the greatest benefit.
These may be dark days, but the voice of God is still to be heard by those willing to listen. May you be a Samuel who both hears and obeys.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
"word from the LORD was rare in those days, visions were infrequent. It happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyesight had begun to grow dim and he could not see well), and the lamp of God had not yet gone out" (1 Samuel 3.1-2)
Those were oppressively dark days. Communication from the Creator was rare; the high priest was nearly blind (in more ways than one); and, the lamp of God - representing His presence - had dimmed to a mere flicker. True light and life hung on by a mere thread. But, against the backdrop of these dark days, something dramatic was at hand; the silence was about to be broken. A young boy named Samuel was about to hear an audible voice from Yahweh God, and this was the message received: "The LORD said to Samuel, 'Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.' " (1 Samuel 3.11) Judgement was about to fall on a wicked priest and his family, and a disobedient nation would have benefit of a genuine prophet of God in their midst. "Thus Samuel grew and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fail. All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD." (1 Samuel 3.19-20)
There are similarities in our times and circumstances. We live in a land in which the word of God is diminished, spiritual sight is dimmed, and the lamp and presence of our Father has been reduced to a mere flicker. This might also be descriptive of our own personal lives. Either way, this dark backdrop might serve as the perfect setting for a new work and word from our Father.
Young Samuel, it says, "did not yet know the LORD, nor had the word of the LORD yet been revealed to him." (1 Samuel 3.7) It took three attempts from the LORD to finally get Samuel's attention, so that he might hear and know the LORD. Perhaps we have a similar problem hearing His word, and listening. But, when the breakthrough comes, "both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle." His truth will come with clarity, and will be life transforming.
Are you listening today for His voice? Because He has given us His written word, that voice will largely reverberate from the pages of what you read in the Bible. What new thing is He trying to teach you? What new territories of faith and obedience is He leading you to? If you are willing and responsive, He will guide you there.
"Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Seek out silence and solitude, and listen carefully to His voice. Regardless of what He will say, the experience of knowing Him better will be the greatest benefit.
These may be dark days, but the voice of God is still to be heard by those willing to listen. May you be a Samuel who both hears and obeys.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
posted by steve @ 8:48 AM
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