SPEAK, LORD, FOR YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING

SPEAK, LORD, FOR YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 3:1-21

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 6:8, Jeremiah 1:4-10, John 10:27, Acts 9:4-6, Revelation 2:7

INTRODUCTION:
The calling of Samuel marks a turning point in Israel’s spiritual history. In a time when “the word of the LORD was rare” and “there was no open vision,” God chose to break the silence by calling a young boy who had been faithfully serving under Eli. Samuel was not a priest by training, nor a prophet by lineage, yet his heart of service and spiritual sensitivity positioned him to hear the voice of God.

In a generation where spiritual deafness and moral compromise were rampant, God found in Samuel a vessel He could trust. This narrative teaches us that God does not call based on age, background, or position—but based on willingness, purity, and attentiveness. The posture of the heart matters more than the title one holds. Samuel's response, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening,” was not just a sentence—it was a lifestyle of submission and readiness to obey.

This passage is rich with lessons on divine calling, hearing God’s voice, and preparing for prophetic ministry. It highlights the importance of distinguishing God’s voice, the role of spiritual mentorship, and the need for availability over ability. When God speaks, He is looking for listeners who will respond, obey, and declare His word faithfully.

1. A SEASON OF DIVINE SILENCE

a) The Word Was Rare (1 Samuel 3:1)
The passage opens with a spiritual crisis—revelation was scarce. God’s voice was not commonly heard, not because He could not speak, but because few were in a position to listen.

b) The Lamp Had Not Gone Out (1 Samuel 3:3)
Although things were spiritually dark, the lamp of God had not yet gone out. This symbolises hope, a remnant, and God’s readiness to speak if He finds the right vessel.

c) Spiritual Blindness in Leadership (1 Samuel 3:2)
Eli's physical blindness reflected his spiritual condition. Leaders who cannot see spiritually will not hear accurately, making it difficult to discern God’s voice.

d) A Need for Prophetic Restoration
The nation was in need of direction. Prophetic clarity had diminished. When God wants to restore a generation, He often begins by calling a prophet.

e) Biblical Example: In Isaiah’s time, amid national decay, God broke through and called Isaiah with a divine encounter (Isaiah 6:1–8).

2. THE PREPARATION OF A HEARING HEART

a) Samuel Ministered Before the Lord (1 Samuel 3:1)
Though young, Samuel served faithfully in the house of God. God often calls those who are already serving—not spectators, but labourers.

b) He Was Lying in the Right Place (1 Samuel 3:3)
Samuel was near the ark of God, symbolising nearness to God's presence. Physical positioning can reflect spiritual hunger and intimacy.

c) God Called Him by Name (1 Samuel 3:4)
God’s call is personal. He doesn't call by titles or achievements, but by name. The personal nature of His call speaks of relationship and purpose.

d) Repeated Call Due to Lack of Recognition (1 Samuel 3:4–8)
Samuel didn’t recognise God’s voice initially. This shows that discernment develops with time and mentorship.

e) Biblical Example: Moses also needed God’s persistent calling at the burning bush before he responded fully (Exodus 3:1–6).

3. THE ROLE OF SPIRITUAL MENTORSHIP

a) Eli Perceived It Was the Lord (1 Samuel 3:8–9)
Though Eli had lost intimacy with God, he could still guide Samuel to respond correctly. Mentors may be weak, but they can still serve as guides.

b) Guidance Towards the Right Response
Eli taught Samuel how to respond: “Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.” Without this instruction, Samuel might have missed the divine appointment.

c) Mentors Help Us Interpret Encounters
Many divine moments are lost because there is no one to interpret them. Mentorship provides the framework for understanding divine dealings.

d) Honour for Authority Opens Doors
Samuel did not despise Eli despite his failings. Honour for spiritual authority creates access to divine instruction.

e) Biblical Example: Elisha followed Elijah closely and received mentorship before stepping into full prophetic office (2 Kings 2:1–15).

4. THE POWER OF RESPONSE TO GOD’S VOICE

a) Samuel’s Willingness (1 Samuel 3:10)
When Samuel responded with “Speak, Lord,” he demonstrated availability, humility, and openness—qualities every servant of God must possess.

b) God Entrusted Him with a Weighty Word
The message God gave Samuel was not light—it was a word of judgment. God trusts those who are faithful with difficult truths.

c) Prophets Are Called to Speak Unpopular Truths (1 Samuel 3:11–14)
Samuel’s first assignment was to deliver judgment upon Eli’s house. True prophetic ministry requires courage and faithfulness.

d) Response Releases Revelation
When Samuel responded, God continued to appear and speak to him. The more we respond to God, the more He entrusts us with.

e) Biblical Example: Jeremiah, though young, was called and empowered to speak difficult truths to nations (Jeremiah 1:4–10).

5. THE RISE OF A PROPHETIC VOICE IN A GENERATION

a) Samuel Grew in the Lord (1 Samuel 3:19)
His spiritual growth was marked by the presence of God with him. True prophetic calling must be accompanied by spiritual maturity.

b) None of His Words Fell to the Ground
God confirmed Samuel’s words, establishing his credibility as a prophet. God backs those who speak in His name with divine authority.

c) His Calling Was Publicly Recognised (1 Samuel 3:20)
From Dan to Beersheba, all Israel recognised Samuel as a prophet. Divine calling eventually leads to public confirmation and influence.

d) Ongoing Revelations from God (1 Samuel 3:21)
God continued to reveal Himself to Samuel. Prophetic ministry is not a one-time event but a continual relationship with the voice of God.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus, in His early years, grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men (Luke 2:52), showing the pattern of progressive divine affirmation.

CONCLUSION:
The story of Samuel’s call is a divine blueprint for those who seek to hear God and walk in prophetic destiny. In an age when many voices clamour for attention, only those who are trained to listen will discern the voice of God. Samuel was available, teachable, and faithful, making him a suitable vessel for divine use. His journey from a temple servant to a national prophet teaches us that God is not silent—He is simply waiting for a heart that is positioned to listen.

Divine calling is not reserved for the spectacular—it begins in humble service, in quiet attentiveness, and in willingness to respond. Whether young or old, trained or inexperienced, God is still asking, “Who shall I send?” May our hearts echo Samuel’s words: “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.” God is still speaking—will you be the next to answer His call?