The Lord came, stood there, and called as before, “Samuel, Samuel!”
1 Samuel 3:10
It’s funny how sometimes the teachings of the Bible that are most familiar to us are the ones we see missed lessons in when we start peeling. I’m sure you’re familiar with the story of God calling to Samuel with a message for Eli. I happened upon this verse the other day and noticed something I either hadn’t noticed before or had forgotten. But it made me stop. You take another look at that verse. Is there something that makes you go hmmmm?
In this verse, Samuel was sleeping in the tabernacle following the instructions of God given to Moses. It was his job to tend the lampstands in the Tabernacle, God’s home on earth. The lampstands were located in front of the inner curtain that shielded the Ark of the Covenant. It was Samuel’s job this night to keep the lights burning. God had told Moses that the lampstands must never go out. They must be continually tended in the presence of the Lord. So, it makes perfect sense that Samuel would be close to them in order to obey the Lord’s command.
What made me grab my highlighter were the words “came,” “stood there” and “called.” The Lord called Samuel by name three times and three times Samuel responded to the wrong voice. But do you see what happened next? The Lord called Samuel a fourth time, but He didn’t just call His name, He “came,” He “stood there,” and He “called.” Just think about that.
God called and called and called to His people. They did not respond.
Jesus “came,” “stood there” and “called” again. Still, they did not respond.
So, Jesus “came,” “stood there” and “called” again. They did not respond.
…he has been raised from the dead, and he is going ahead of you… You will see him there…
Matthew 27:7
Still today, Jesus “comes,” He “stands there,” and He “calls.” Have we answered the call? He “comes” and He “stands there” waiting. Four words describing the God of the Universe, spoken thousands of years ago, that could change your eternity.
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling for you and for me
See on the portals He’s waiting and watching
Watching for you and for me
Come home, come home
Ye who are weary come home
Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling, “O sinner come home”
O for the wonderful love He has promised
Promised for you and for me
Though we have sinned He has mercy and pardon
Pardon for you and for me
Come home, come home
Ye who are weary come home
Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling, “O sinner come home”
Come home, come home (come home)
Ye who are weary come home
Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling, “O sinner come home”