LORD, REVEAL YOUR GLORY!
Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 3-4
Key Verse: 1 Samuel 3:10
Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel answered, "Speak, for Your servant hears."
The first verse of our reading is a sad commentary on the spiritual life of Israel. The words "rare" and "no widespread revelation" say it all. But God spoke to Samuel and Eli was knowledgeable enough to recognize that God wanted someone to listen to Him. God is a communicating God, but are we listening? It's hard to hear that "still, small voice" in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life. This is one of the main reasons why getting up early each day to wait on God is so very important.
God cut Eli's family off from His blessing because, as our reading informs us, Eli did not restrain his sons from their vile behaviour. This resulted in the tragic capture of the Ark by the enemies of Israel, the death of Eli's sons, and Eli himself. Most tragic of all was the name of Eli's grandson, "Ichabod," meaning that the glory of God had departed from Israel. In our churches, let's be sure to bring God's glory through Jesus Christ into sharp focus. John said of Jesus, "We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14b).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, we take time right now to listen for Your voice. In the quietness of this moment, we wait on You. We meditate on the revelation of Your glory! Grant that we may help to make that revelation widespread throughout the whole world. In Your empowering Name we pray, Amen!
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