At that time Samuel was not familiar with the LORD,
because the LORD had not revealed anything to him as yet.
The LORD called Samuel again, for the third time.
We can benefit from help in learning to recognize this voice of the LORD. He does speak to us but we sometimes misunderstand what we hear to be our own mental noise. We need to learn to distinguish that noise, of which there is doubtless plenty, from the genuine speech which comes from the LORD and which is heard within our hearts if we listen. Other people can't do the listening for us. But they can help us to fine-tune our attention so that we know when we should listen.
Samuel answered, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
We sometimes don't reach the point where we are ready to hear God because we don't recognize when he calls us. He speaks our name and longs to say more. But we need to recognize him calling and invite him to speak. He longs to speak to our hearts but he sits and patiently knocks. He awaits our invitation.
When the word of God has priority within us our own words become more impactful.
Samuel grew up, and the LORD was with him,
not permitting any word of his to be without effect.
No longer do we accidentally harm others with our words or just fill up silence with noise. Our words become effective. They gain power. Without God's words within us we don't have much to contribute. But he gives us his words in our to grasp us by the hand and help us up, so that we can get to work.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.
We become able to offer this same healing to others. It is precisely the word that makes this possible. It is the word which builds the kingdom.
He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come."
So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons
throughout the whole of Galilee.
It begins in us with a receptive heart when we invite God to speak to us. We can't expect to keep lying on our sick beds after that. We need to allow Jesus to lift us up and send us out.
Burnt offerings or sin-offerings you sought not;
then said I, "Behold I come."
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