1 Samuel 3:1-4 "And the child Samuel
ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in
those days; there was no open vision. (2) 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; (3) 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; (4) That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am
I."
" And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open
vision." There are many thoughts going through my mind concerning this
point of history which speaks of the condition of man. "The word of the
LORD was precious." It was considered very valuable, a prized possession.
But we aren't told how widespread its value went as far as the total nation was
concerned. We know from the instance of Elkanah and Hannah that people went to
the house of the Lord each year to make their annual sacrifices unto God. But
how was it with the public during the rest of the year? Did people go through
the rituals? Did they enjoy hearing about their history? Did they enjoy hearing
about the works of God in the days of their forefathers? We know from our study
of Gideon that they were familiar with the parting of the Red Sea, manna from
heaven, and water from a rock; but did they understand that the only true and
living God was still on His throne? I'm just thinking out loud because I wonder
about another nation that could very well be in that same state of
spirituality. Do we love to hear the Word of God? But are we active in doing
what the Word of God tells us? I include myself at the top of the list
concerning these questions. Are we (am I) as those who said unto the people of
God, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion," but it's just a nice sound
in our ears? In the day of Eli and Samuel, "the word of the LORD was
precious.... (but)... there was no open vision."
The Lord was speaking to the young boy, Samuel, but he did not recognize that
it was God speaking to him. I think most, if not all, of us have experienced
something similar to this. We have felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit in our
lives, but we may not recognize that it is the Lord and are hesitant to follow.
I admit to you this morning that I am concerned for the welfare of our country.
I say that but I know our God is still on His throne. How do I know that? Well,
the Word of the Lord tells me that is true. But the question now before me is
this: What am I going to do with that knowledge? It should bring me to a place
of repentance and submission to the will of God. It should bring our nation to
the place where God is at the forefront of our desires. Are we as Peter when he
took his eyes off of Jesus and began to sink? If so, are we as Peter and are
willing to cry out, "Lord, save me." And then are we (am I) willing
to say "Here am I" when the Lord begins to speak? One part of that
account fascinates me: Jesus would have passed them by if they had not cried
out to Him. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto
them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon
the sea, and would have passed by them. "And he saw them toiling in
rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the
night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by
them." (Mark 6:48)
Pass me not, O gentle Savior Hear my humble cry
While on others Thou art calling Do not pass me by
Savior, Savior Hear my humble cry
While on others Thou art calling
Do not pass me by
Let me at Thy throne of mercy Find a sweet relief
Kneeling there in deep contrition Help my unbelief
Savior, Savior Hear my humble cry
While on others Thou art calling
Do not pass me by
Trusting only in Thy merit Would I seek Thy face
Heal my wounded, broken spirit Save me by Thy grace