“And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision” (1 Sam. 3:1 ESV). This was the dire state of affairs in Israel as Samuel grew up serving under Eli the priest. Hearing from the one true God had been what set them apart among the nations. It began when God called their ancestor Abraham, promising in visions to bless his faithfulness (cf. Gen. 12:1-3, 15:1-6). As the people of Israel journeyed to receive those promised blessings centuries later, they frequently heard from God. “If there is a prophet among you, I the LORD make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream” – though to their leader Moses, He spoke “mouth to mouth, clearly” (Num. 12:6-8).
It was so important that God’s people not take that blessing of receiving His words for granted. “Keep them and do them,” Moses urged, “for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples…For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?” (Deut. 4:6-7). Yet, take it for granted they did, failing to keep God’s word and triggering a downward spiral until God simply didn’t have much to say to them anymore.
“Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,” according to the proverb: “but blessed is he who keeps the law” (Prov. 29:18). That was certainly true in the days of Samuel’s youth: even the priest Eli’s family was hopelessly corrupt (cf. 1 Sam. 2:17, 22-25). Yet, where there is one person desiring to serve the LORD, things can change. The LORD called to the boy Samuel as he laid near the ark of the covenant – that great symbol of God’s presence (cf. 1 Sam. 3:2-7). In a rather comical fashion, it took three missed calls before the adult in the room figured out what was going on. Yet, once the boy was instructed to reply, “Speak, LORD, for your servant hears” everything began to change (cf. 1 Sam. 3:8-18). Vision restored as he heard God speak, “Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground” (1 Sam. 3:19). This obedience led to blessing for all of God’s people.
Though we are at a different point in God’s story, we still need the vision that comes with hearing Him speak. Instead of taking His word for granted, we should long to be in His presence and to serve Him faithfully. When that is our aim and our motivation, blessing will follow as we follow God’s lead.
Learn how to know and to go where God is leading you through our series Be Thou My Vision.