[Hannah said] “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he [little Samuel] worshiped the Lord there.” 1 Samuel 1:27-28
He worshiped the Lord- can a three or four-year-old worship the Lord?!
I think this verse is in the Holy Scripture because there are no boundaries for who can worship the Lord. Age, mental capacity, training, or knowledge don’t qualify or disqualify us from communicating with God.
We shouldn’t underestimate the capacity of children for worship. God accepts the worship of children, no matter how we view their attempts. We shouldn’t shush the enthusiastic child who sings a little too loudly and slightly off-key in church. We should honor even a one sentence prayer given in childlike sincerity. And we should remind ourselves that we’re never too old to worship. We may not be able to sing worship songs well anymore (I can’t blame age on this. I never could sing.). We may not even be able to stand up for worship. We may forget where we were in our prayer, but God delights in our hearts turned to him in sincerity. He isn’t grading our performance.
“And the boy served the Lord under [or by assisting] Eli the priest.” 1 Samuel 2:11
The boy served the Lord under Eli- when we serve others, who are we serving?
We shouldn’t minimize children’s ability to work for God by helping others in general and assisting at the place of worship specifically. We shouldn’t minimize our own service to others and our church because we have limitations. Any service offered to God is sacred and rewarded. All of us should be operating under the authority over us. This chain of command brings peace and stability. It is hard to do! We have to set aside our own wishes and defer to another. Wives to husbands, husbands to God, children to parents, church members to elders, citizens to government, etc. Without this structure, societies crumble.
“But Samuel was ministering before the Lord—a boy wearing a linen ephod.[a special garment worn only by priests]” 1 Samuel 2:18
Samuel was under Eli’s authority and did all that Eli told him to do. Eli had the physical limitations of poor eyesight and obesity, but a responsible child could do many of the jobs that the Tabernacle required, such as replacing the showbread, keeping oil in the golden menorah, and burning incense. He certainly also did tasks for Eli personally, fetching and carrying. Because of his dependability and heart for God, Eli gave him the honor of a priestly garment even though he was still a young boy. This garment identified him as set apart (dedicated) for God’s service. We should remember that our failing physical abilities make room for younger believers to step in and serve and grow.
“Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.” 1 Samuel 2:21
He didn’t have a mother or father, or siblings close to him. But he had God. He was aware of the sweet, holy, mighty Presence. He spent time with God, who met his needs. And there is the secret- he chose to be close to God. He loved to be in the Tabernacle, caring for the things of God. We can be sure Eli taught his willing student God’s words. It’s our choice to have communion with God or not. “Draw close to God and he will draw close to you.” James 4:8 Jesus is always ready to come in, but we have to open the door. “ Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:20
“And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people.
The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli… The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel.” 1 Samuel 2:26-3:1,3-4
Samuel was diligent in his duties. Scripture tells us that Samuel was lying inside the Tabernacle when the Lord called to him. Why wasn’t he asleep in a bed in a place near the Tabernacle? We can surmise that he was resting where he could get up and fill the golden lampstand with oil if the lamps were burning low. The Torah prescribed that the lampstand lamps should not go out during the night. (Exodus 27:21 ) Samuel was serious about obedience and devotion. His comfort didn’t take precedence over his commitment. He was ready to do his sacred responsibilities day or night. My comfort is a little too important to me. I like my routine. And sometimes it’s hard to set my projects aside to give time to others.
“Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” 1 Samuel 3:5
Samuel was instantly obedient. When he heard the voice, he got up immediately and ran, not sleepily stumbled or walked begrudgingly to Eli to report for duty in the middle of the night. But an alert, “Here I am.” The second time he heard the voice, he could have stayed lying where he was since it was unlikely that Eli was actually calling him. But he dutifully returned to Eli. It’s sweet that Eli called him, “My son” instead of being irritated at being awakened again. He gently told him to go back and lie down. Even the third time when the voice came, Samuel could have deferred, knowing it was unlikely that Eli needed him this time either. But being a dedicated servant, he once more went to Eli. And this time, he got different orders: “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ’Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” Samuel followed these orders. And because of his obedience, he became a prophet of God.
How many times have I felt an urge to check on someone, but I was busy at another task and put it off? Samuel didn’t put off till later what he felt he should do- even in the middle of the night!
“The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10
Willing to listen, ready to obey. Why is it hard for us to be still and listen?! Busy, busy makes us feel useful. We get satisfaction from accomplishing something tangible that we can look at and feel validated. But there is infinite value in stopping and meditating on the Scriptures, God’s words to us. We can’t quantify this, so it goes against our desire to produce. And even if we manage to stop, why do we sometimes listen and not take it to heart and act on God’s words?!
“The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.” 1 Samuel 3:21
God values a quiet, listening heart with intent to obey. He rewards this by faithfully revealing more of himself over time.
