We have all heard the expression, ‘Children should be seen, not heard.’ I am fairly certain that as a child that was spoken of me at more than one point. It is a tragic expression in many ways. It assumes that children do not have anything of value to say. That the questions of a child are irrelevant. That adults have nothing to learn from children.
If we assume that children have nothing of value to teach anyone then large parts of scripture should be ignored. After all, Mary was what we today would still consider a child or a teenager when she was called by God. Yet, we would confess that we can learn from her story. As a young boy Jesus taught in the temple. All were amazed at his wisdom and understanding.
This week we look at the call of Samuel. Samuel was a young boy when God first called him. In fact scripture tells us that “Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.” What can we learn from this story?
Text: 1 Samuel 3: 1-20
Questions to consider:
- What similarities can we find between the story of Samuel and Jesus?
- How does Samuel model discipleship?
- What would you do if you received a message similar to the one Samuel received?
Prayer for Sunday:
Heavenly Father, allow me to hear your word today. Allow it to speak to me in new ways. May my ears tingle with anticipation for the new thing which you will do in my life. In Jesus name. Amen.