Obedient Listening

Young Samuel began his service to God when “the word of the LORD was rare”, and there was no frequent vision” (1 Samuel 3:1). But God broke his silence when he found a trustworthy man in Samuel to be his messenger.

It was the fourth time that Samuel heard someone calling him. He thought the senior priest, Eli might have called in the previous three times. But being convinced that this repeated call is from the Lord, Eli advised the junior, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.’”

The Lord did call him a fourth time. When Samuel recognised that the Lord was calling him, he responded, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.” Then, the Lord declared the punishment that he had planned for the wicked family of Eli.

In the Bible, “hear” means more than listening to a voice; it expresses willingness to obey. Samuel’s first lesson as an apprentice to the priesthood was obedience, focusing on listening to the voice of God rather than priestly rituals. The lesson on obedient listening is the secret of Samuel’s ministry at the crucial juncture of Israel’s history, as the Lord combined three roles in him—prophet, judge, and priest.

Obedient listening is the foundation of Christian life. It is a blessing to discern the voice of the Lord from all the voices surrounding us and submit to that one voice. Nothing is more significant than living as the Lord, who owns the universe, leads us by his counsel.

Today, practice listening for God’s voice amid the many distractions around you. Find a quiet moment, ask God to speak, and respond like Samuel, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.” Write down one clear way you sense God directing you, and commit to obeying His guidance this week. Let obedient listening be the foundation of your walk with God.