“What was it he said to you?” Eli asked. “Do not hide it from me. May God deal with you, be it ever so severely, if you hide from me anything he told you.” 18 So Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. Then Eli said, “He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes.” 1 Samuel 3.17-18
With all of Eli’s faults, at least in this passage, he is faithful and true. Eli wanted to know what the Lord said, and he did not fight the Lord’s word, saying, “He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes.”
Certainly, Samuel was fearful of both the Lord and Eli—his God and his priest. But Samuel also showed his integrity by telling Eli exactly what the Lord had said. Even for a boy who was only twelve, Samuel repeated the words of the Lord.
And speaking of words, Samuel was a keeper of God’s word. Previously in this chapter, we read that the “word of God was rare in those days.” But now, God was beginning to speak His word to one who would hear, respond, and obey. What is God’s word? It is His purpose, His message, His intention, and His desires. It’s not like the people could open up the Old or New Testament and read God’s word. They heard and received it from God’s messengers, angels, priests, and prophets. Samuel was entrusted with God’s word.
Also, when God speaks, things happen. When God spoke in Genesis, the world was formed. When God sent Jesus to be born of a virgin, the Word was made flesh and salvation was offered to all who would believe. When God speaks His word, a chain of events begins which typically brings judgment, redemption, and reward.
We hold in our hands, or carry in our pockets on our phones, God’s Holy Word. He has spoken and revealed His purposes for humanity. Just as Samuel received a word and shared it, so we have been given God’s Word—we must open and read it, allowing it to speak words of life to ourselves and others.
Today, read God’s word and listen for His voice. His word continues to offer power, life, and truth. Allow His word to speak to you and through you this day.
“O Lord God, you are good. Thank you for allowing your word to speak to me and through me. Help me not only to hear and receive your word but also to share it with the world. I love you, Lord, and praise your name. Come now, Holy Spirit, and convey your word of hope to the nations. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen