Most Christians are familiar with the story of the call of Samuel.
Young Samuel was serving in the temple of Shiloh under the supervision and guidance of Eli, the old priest. It was night and God called Samuel four times.
The first time, God called, "Samuel, Samuel." The young boy thought that the old priest wanted him to wait on. Of course he was wrong.
God called the second time, "Samuel". This time, God called his name once only, not twice. Samuel ran to Eli again, to no avail.
The Bible does not describe how God called Samuel the third time. Most likely, God simply called his name once. But is the number important?
Young Samuel was very charitable and dependable. Even though he had previously been dismissed by Eli twice, he persisted in performing his duty and ran again to serve the blind Eli.
Now it was Eli's turn. It dawned to him that God was calling this boy who had not previous experience of the presence of God. Eli taught Samuel how to respond to God's call to build up the connection. Speak, LORD, for thy servant hears דַּבֵּר יְהוָה כִּי שֹׁמֵעַ עַבְדֶּךָ
(1 Samuel 3:9). The fourth time, God came and stood forth, called again, "Samuel, Samuel." The answer Samuel gave left out the name of God. Speak, for thy servant hears דַּבֵּר כִּי שֹׁמֵעַ עַבְדֶּךָ
(1 Samuel 3:10) Why? That doesn't seem to be important.
And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground (1 Samuel 3:19).
Young Samuel was serving in the temple of Shiloh under the supervision and guidance of Eli, the old priest. It was night and God called Samuel four times.
The first time, God called, "Samuel, Samuel." The young boy thought that the old priest wanted him to wait on. Of course he was wrong.
God called the second time, "Samuel". This time, God called his name once only, not twice. Samuel ran to Eli again, to no avail.
The Bible does not describe how God called Samuel the third time. Most likely, God simply called his name once. But is the number important?
Young Samuel was very charitable and dependable. Even though he had previously been dismissed by Eli twice, he persisted in performing his duty and ran again to serve the blind Eli.
Now it was Eli's turn. It dawned to him that God was calling this boy who had not previous experience of the presence of God. Eli taught Samuel how to respond to God's call to build up the connection. Speak, LORD, for thy servant hears דַּבֵּר יְהוָה כִּי שֹׁמֵעַ עַבְדֶּךָ
(1 Samuel 3:9). The fourth time, God came and stood forth, called again, "Samuel, Samuel." The answer Samuel gave left out the name of God. Speak, for thy servant hears דַּבֵּר כִּי שֹׁמֵעַ עַבְדֶּךָ
(1 Samuel 3:10) Why? That doesn't seem to be important.
And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground (1 Samuel 3:19).
In fact, God calls everybody. Otherwise, God is not fair. But God is fair. Therefore, it is necessary that God calls everybody.
Not everybody responds to God. Some do not respond out of ignorance. Some know but hesitate because they know not how to respond. They think too much of the call. They know the call requires sacrifices and therefore they hesitate and procrastinate the response, wishing that the call is an illusion. No. It is not an illusion. Karl Rahner explains that God is love. He creates us in such a way that we are able to receive His love with our free will. Therefore, before we are created, God so transforms our nature that it possesses a tendency to seek God. Yes, a tendency only because God wants our free will to remain intact. We must accept or reject God out of our free will. We must be responsible for all our choices. Rahner calls this innate tendency the supernatural existential. So, God creates and calls us at the same time. We are born to respond and establish a relationship with God.
Not everybody responds to God. Some do not respond out of ignorance. Some know but hesitate because they know not how to respond. They think too much of the call. They know the call requires sacrifices and therefore they hesitate and procrastinate the response, wishing that the call is an illusion. No. It is not an illusion. Karl Rahner explains that God is love. He creates us in such a way that we are able to receive His love with our free will. Therefore, before we are created, God so transforms our nature that it possesses a tendency to seek God. Yes, a tendency only because God wants our free will to remain intact. We must accept or reject God out of our free will. We must be responsible for all our choices. Rahner calls this innate tendency the supernatural existential. So, God creates and calls us at the same time. We are born to respond and establish a relationship with God.
My God, have Your called me? Yes, You have. Empower me to respond. Yes, You have. The ball is in my court now. Arise and respond.
Speak, Lord, Your servant hears. Amen.
Speak, Lord, Your servant hears. Amen.
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