1 Samuel 3:1-20; 2 Corinthians 4:5-12; Mark 2:23-3:1-6
Introduction
Peace be unto you...
Scripture makes us understand that faith is nurtured through the hearing of the Word of God. Hearing the voice of God is so important to the Christian and the unsaved. Today, we would then delve into a fundamental aspect of our faith—hearing the voice of the Lord. In our fast-paced and noisy world, discerning God's voice can seem very challenging. However, God still speaks to us, just as He did to Samuel, the prophets, Paul, and the disciples. Let's explore how we can hear God's voice and understand His will for our lives.
Biblical Exposition
I. The Call of Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-20)
In 1 Samuel 3, we encounter the young Samuel serving in the temple under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. One night, Samuel hears his name being called and assumes it is Eli. After multiple calls, Eli realizes it is the Lord and instructs Samuel to respond, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."
Samuel's experience with hearing the voice of God for the first time in his life gives us three keys;
1. Attentiveness: Samuel's readiness to listen reflects a heart prepared to hear from God. He was lying where the ark of God was placed. He was in God's presence. Paying attention helps us to identify and hear a particular voice even amid so much noise.
2. Guidance: Eli's wisdom and guidance help Samuel recognize God's voice. There is safety in the multitude of counsel." Samuel was guided thanks to Eli's rich experience of always hearing from the Lord. When we find the right guidance, we can listen to God's voice when no one is able.
3. Obedience: Samuel's response and subsequent obedience mark the beginning of his prophetic ministry. Hearing the Lord's voice is just a step in the process. God's ultimate desire is obedience to His voice.
II. Treasure in Jars of Clay (2 Corinthians 4:5-12)
Paul writes to the Corinthians about the treasures of the gospel held in "jars of clay," emphasizing that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. Despite hardships, Paul remains focused on preaching Christ, demonstrating resilience and dependence on God's power.
Hearing the voice of the Lord calls for the following;
1. Humility: Recognizing our human frailty allows us to rely on God's strength. Humility is not timidity but the tool to sieve all unwanted voices to hear the one true voice of God.
2. Perseverance: In times of trials and temptation, we must keep focus on Christ and His purposes. The believer remains resolute because of what the voice of God says to him/her. God's voice is much louder in times of our down moments. C. S. Louis says, "Pain is God's key to draw man's attention to Him."
3. Proclamation: Sharing the gospel is a vital way to experience God's presence and hear His voice. When the Christian hears God's voice, proclaiming Him to the world has no barriers. Paul says, ". We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." Nothing will keep our mouths shut from telling forth His great deeds.
III. The Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:23-3:1-6)
Jesus and His disciples walk through grainfields on the Sabbath, and Jesus is questioned by the Pharisees for allowing His disciples to pluck heads of grain. Jesus teaches that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Later, He heals a man with a withered hand, further challenging legalistic interpretations of the Scriptures. Scriptural understanding comes from hearing the voice of the Lord.
Hearing the voice of the Lord will always set our priorities straight.
1. Compassion. Jesus prioritizes mercy and compassion over rigid adherence to rules. When we hear His voice, they will never come before His grace and mercies established in His compassion.
2. Authority: Here, Jesus demonstrates authority over the law and demons. Recognizing Jesus' authority helps us understand His will and serve His will to people.
Let me share with you some three practical ways to hear from the Lord today.
1. Prayer and Meditation on God:
- Quiet Time: Set aside dedicated time daily to pray and meditate on God's Word. This helps cultivate a listening heart.
- Journaling: Write down your prayers and any impressions you receive. Reflect on them to discern patterns and confirmations from the Lord. Develop the habit of jotting points from sermons you listen to guide you on what God is saying to you.
2. Scripture:
- Bible Study: Engage in regular and systematic study of the Bible. God speaks through His Word, revealing His character and will.
- Memorization: Commit Scripture to memory. The Holy Spirit often brings verses to mind when we need guidance or encouragement.
3. Congregation:
- Fellowship: Be actively involved in a faith congregation. God often speaks through fellow believers, offering wisdom and encouragement. Be a member of at least a group in the Church.
- Counsel: Seek godly counsel from mature Christians when making significant decisions. Their insights and prayers can help you discern God's voice.
Conclusion
As we strive to hear the voice of the Lord, let us remember the examples of Samuel, Paul, and Jesus. Be attentive, humble, and ready to act with compassion. Through prayer, Scripture, and congregational life, we can cultivate a deep and abiding connection with God. May we, like Samuel, respond with a willing heart: "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for speaking to us through Your Word, Your Spirit, and Your people. Help us to be attentive, humble, and obedient, ready to hear and act upon Your voice. Guide us daily, and may our lives reflect Your love and truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Shalom aleichem...
