As I read this passage, my heart cried out, “Father, there is a truth here that you want me to see.” I knew in my heart this passage was for me, FOR THIS DAY!
Samuel had such a close walk with God, that when God spoke, Samuel not only listened, but carried out what was spoken. This could be said of him, even as a little boy, when God called out to him, three times. The third time, Samuel stated, “Speak Lord, for thy servant is listening.”
In this passage, God had told Samuel it was ok for Israel to have a King. Samuel in turn, gave the people many negative aspects of what a King would require and do. Yet, they still wanted a physical King, instead of God Almighty. This grieved Samuel’s heart, but God assured Samuel to give the people what they wanted.
Samuel KNEW that God had a plan and he simply BELIEVED and PREPARED. He KNEW God and yes, he did prepare as stated in I Samuel 9:22, “Bring the piece of meat I gave you, the one I told you to lay aside.” A choice piece of meat for the soon to be anointed King, Saul and Saul had no clue. He was there looking for his father’s lost donkeys. Not expecting to eat at a feast fit for a King.
As I sit and ponder this passage, questions flood my soul. Questions such as, “Is my walk with God so close, that when He speaks, I hear and heed?” “Am I, in this journey of life, where God can use me to touch people, making a difference for HIM?” “Am I so in tune with God that his faintest whisper to my heart is heard?” “Is my faith in God, where I would be willing to take the next step, even though I do not see that step?” These are deep soul-searching questions. Some, I know the answer too, others, I am not ready to know the answer or maybe unwilling to yield. Maybe, I am simply not there yet.
Samuel, even though he was not on board with this “King” thing, he was on board with God. He knew when God spoke, he needed to listen. Not only listen, but willing to carry out what God had instructed him to do. Why? He knew that God was God, His way was just, and His plan was perfect.
As I was writing this, I had to walk away. The tears flowed as I pulled grass from my flower beds. Yes, watering the very weeds that needed to be pulled. I pondered the “weeds” in the garden of my heart and in that pondering did some deep soul searching. I know that God is God, He is the GREAT I AM. His love is constant and true. His way is perfect and yes, the sun will come up in the morning. Until then, I will simply, “BE STILL and KNOW THAT HE IS GOD.” Psalm 46:10
