When surfing social media, the gift of discernment is crucial. Credibility is often lacking in the written word as well as the images displayed. Before the days of social media, when a prophet spoke, it had to be credible. They spoke the words of God. Samuel, as a child, began his journey of credibility under God’s tutelage. It was a time when God’s word was rare, God needed a vessel, and His word was established.
God’s Word: Rare
In 1 Samuel 3 verse 1, we read that at this time the word of God was rare. There was no widespread revelation. We know that Hannah was desperate for God to speak into her situation. She honoured Him when His answer was the gift of her son, by lending him to the Lord. I wonder if her experience made her family and neighbours hungry for the word of God.
Needed: A Vessel
God needed a vessel, someone whose word could be trusted. He spoke to the child Samuel. The Lord was with him as he grew and did not allow his words to fail. It became known throughout Israel, God spoke through Samuel. God established him as a trustworthy spokesman.
God’s Word: Established
In Isaiah 46, God states, “I am God.” There is no other like Him who declares the end from the beginning, who from ancient times declares things not yet done. His counsel stands, the words He has spoken will come to pass, the things He has purposed, He will do! Further in Isaiah 55, we read that like rain or snow which come from heaven to water the earth causing seed to come for the sower and the bud for bread, His word goes forth, from His mouth, and it will not return to Him without fruit. God established Samuel in his day for this purpose.
It was a time when God’s word was rare, God needed a vessel, and His word was established. “Then the Lord appeared again in Shiloh.”