"John 11:1-44
Hope in the Word of the Lord
Do you realise that God wants to speak to you? You can say, like Samuel, ‘Speak Lord, for your servant is listening’ (3:9).
These were times of trouble for the people of God. They cried out, ‘We’re in trouble!’ (4:7). It was a time when it seemed that God was almost silent. ‘In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions’ (3:1).
It must have been heartbreaking for Eli to see his own sons dishonouring the Lord. We read how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting (2:22). Here we read again of them dishonouring God who has said, ‘Those who honour me I will honour, but those who despise me will be disdained’ (v.30).
As a result of the dishonouring of God, the people of God are defeated (4:1b–11). Eli dies heartbroken (vv.12–18). His daughter-in-law gives birth to a child with the name Ichabod: ‘The glory has departed’ (vv.19–22).
Yet, in the midst of these terrible times of trouble for the people of God there is hope. The Lord called Samuel (3:4). God revealed himself to Samuel and he listened to the Lord (vv.9–10). He said, ‘Speak, God. I’m your servant, ready to listen’ (v.9, MSG). The Lord said, ‘See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle’ (v.11).
Samuel was prepared to pass on the message in its entirety, however unpopular, embarrassing and difficult it was (v.18). He did not hide anything. As a result, God was able to use him greatly: ‘The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground’ (v.19).
Lord, help me to follow the example of Samuel and pray daily in my heart, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening’ (v.9). Help me to listen carefully to the word of God and then pass it on without altering it to please my audience."
1. Yes, Lord, help me to listen to You. Thank You for Your everyday Word, everyday bread.
2. Thank You for a productive day at work.
3. Praise You for everything that You are doing with my relatives! Hallelujah! Keep the Spirit moving! :)
