Here I Am

Introduction

Why are we still here? The bride is not ready, and the guest list is not yet sorted There is still work to be done.

Read, Context & Pray

Israel at this point in history is over shadowed by hopelessness, religious corruption and a lack of God’s voice of direction and clarity. Hope is almost lost. God is establishing a monarchy. A new move is about to take place Samuel is dedicated by his mother & Eli is an older priest on his way out.

Temporary Temple set up

Samuel a boy dedicated to service

Under his Mentor Eli who is a priest

Ministry and religion is present, but “The voice and vision of God was rare”

As we open the Scriptures - let God speak to you. Your situation. God is doing something and He is about to move in a profound way. This text will open up our eyes and ears to hear and see what the Lord is doing.

PRAY

HERE I AM

Recently watched the movie 300. Historical Battle of Thermoplae - Sparta vs Persia. 300 available and willing men fought an emormous and advancing Persian army with grit, determination, tactic and unity. An evil entity such as Xerxes and his army wnted to take over the world. A Superpower nation on the rise bringing darkness and slavery to the lands it would conquer. Sparta was next and it seemed like there was no hope. But Leonidis led his small army to defend his nation and his people. They were a glimmer of hope in a dark world. They saw something worth standing and fighting for. We are here to serve our nation and our king.

Where is hope for Gods people? Is God still here? Are there any people ready, willing, glowing? As we read this we see this young boy who was ministering and being trained s priest show the posture of hope. “HERE I AM” Hineni - Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Isaiah & Samuel Sometimes I look around - and I am overwhelmed with how little hope there is. Finanicial burden, broken family relationships, friends who are lost, a city in love with other gods, a Church mis guided and settled, a world un reached, constant news about another pastor falling into sin. Maybe more personally another fight with wife, another click on that website, a constant feeling of darkness and sadness dominates your mind, a child that won’t listen, a disconnection with your church community, a battle on the inside to give God and his people your time and your commitment, your love and addiction to work, your inability to wake up out of this spiritual slumber you are in, desire for a spouse and a family or a friend, dissapointment again. You feel like it’s been a long time since you heard God’s voice, or your heart was willing or you could see forward. But in the distance you hear a whisper, you feel a pull, you see a glimmer. Deep inside you know there’s hope. There is chance.

Samuel has a “HERE I AM” attitude, but it’s a journey now of Him getting ready. Goes from “Here I am” as an utterance to “Here I am” as a heart cry.

Where are you? Location

Read v2-3

Eli is positioned away from God’s presnce and in his “usual spot’ Samuel positioned close to the ark, and he is ready.

Where are you? (God to Adam)

Eli was in the temple. He was serving. He was visible. But why wasn’t his heart moving Israel toward God? Is it possible that Eli was withholding all of himself? Wasn’t willing to turn his life around? Maybe just gave up.

Who’s voice are you listening to?

Read v4-9 God calls, Samuel hears, but he misinterprets. He thinks it’s Eli. Eli helps Samuel hear

Do you really know Him?

v7 & 19 Samuel didn’t know the Lord yet. But when Eli helps him, he not only hears but He sees Relationship entered.

Are you listening to obey?

v10

Samuel is now changed. His “Here I am” really means I’m ready to listen and obey whatveer you say

God says “HERE I AM”

We can only utter these words, because they are anchored in God’s posture toward us. Isaiah 58:9

Isaiah 58:9 (ESV)

Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;

you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’

That when we aren’t ready, when we can’t live up to the call, when we struggle to find the words. He says “HERE I AM”

Revelation 3:18–20 ESV

I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Jesus says to a dwindling Church - HERE I AM and I stand at the door

Just like God stood up next to Samuel when He called - as if to say I aint leaving. I’m knocking and knocking.