“But Samuel was ministering before the Lord—a boy wearing a linen ephod. 19 Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice. 20 Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the Lord give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to[c] the Lord.” Then they would go home. 21 And the Lord was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.” 1 Samuel 2.18-21
I remember growing up on Berkley Street in Wichita Falls, TX. Each year, around the time school started, my mom would take me to the store to get a new pair of tennis shoes to last the year. My memory is faint, but I believe my favorite was a white pair of shoes with a red Nike swoosh! I would put on a pair of jeans with these and feel like I was in high heaven.
In comparison, Samuel was gifted a new robe each year when his mother, Hannah, and father, Elkanah, came to the annual feast at the tabernacle of the Lord. While I was getting Nikes to play and go to school, Samuel was getting dressed up to serve the Lord. (Not only did we have radically different childhoods, but think of the pitfalls and sins I might have avoided had I been in Samuel’s shoes— i.e., robe!)
While I was eating lunch at the table in Ben Franklin Elementary and playing at recess with other little boys and girls, Samuel was assisting the priest Eli, ministering before the Lord, conducting animal sacrifices, and praying prayers. What a holy and committed life!
Now, I loved my childhood and wouldn’t trade it for anything, but imagine the focus of Samuel—living in the tabernacle, day and night serving the Lord and learning from Eli. He was all in for God, and as a result, the Lord used Samuel to make an incredible impact on the nation of Israel.
How we spend our time matters. This morning, I am spending time in the Word—reflecting, reading, praying, and seeking. Soon I will get up and go to Truett Seminary, where I will be training future pastors. Now, to some, this may look 100% righteous and holy, but it’s not without its difficulties! Whatever you do today, whether in the church or the world, do so with your whole heart as unto the Lord.
We don’t have to be dressed in a linen ephod to serve Christ. We only have to set our hearts on Him and His purposes for our lives and the world.
Wherever the Lord has you this day, commit it fully to Him. Seek His face and know His heart. Surrender to the Lord in thought, word, and deed, and allow Him to fill your days with joy, meaning, and purpose.
“O Lord God, you are good and so kind. You have called me to do a work that is so special. But in truth, you call each of us to know and serve your kingdom. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power and love. Help me find meaning in this day and to see your face upon all I meet. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen