In school it is easy to hear the teachers’ assignment, but doing it is another matter. When it comes to obeying God, I believe it is similar. When Samuel speaks to God, he tells Him, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening. In the original Old Testament language, Hebrew, “listening” means to listen and obey, not just hear.
1 Samuel 3:8 So the Lord called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” Then Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling the boy. 9 So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went back to bed. 10 And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.” [1]
How does listening with the intent of obeying begin to change our life? The Lord’s simple requests often serve as steppingstones to life’s most wonderful blessings. Samuel’s life would never be the same as he began to obediently follow the Lord.
Our obedience always benefits others. Think how Israel was blessed through the obedience of Samuel the prophet. God often rewards others, particularly those closest to us, because of our obedience. For example, when a parent obeys the Lord, the entire family reaps the reward of God’s blessings. Likewise, a child’s obedience will bless his or her parents. This does not mean that those who choose to disobey the Lord will escape his discipline because of someone else’s Godly walk. His call to obedience always demands our response. However, when we live obedient lives, those who know and love us will sense the peace and joy He has given us. Instead of conflict, there will be contentment.
Perhaps you have hesitated to obey God because you fear the consequences of your decision. But the Lord calls us to step out in faith and trust Him. This is because obedience always leads to blessing. As a pastor, people will ask me why God is asking them to do a certain thing. I have always told them that if they will obey Him, He will reward them with a sense of peace and joy that compares to nothing this world has to offer. (My wife and I are in this season right now.)
Therefore, set a goal to obey the Lord and watch Him work in your life. Faith is trusting God, not figuring out what God is doing or asking.
To hear more about the call of Samuel, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/the-call/the-call-samuel
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (1 Sa 3:8–10). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
Amen, the best thing to do is to hear and obey. 👍
Great message Pastor Tom!!! You and Paula are perfect examples of obeying God and reaping the blessings! Keep on obeying!I know you’re rewards shall be great here on earth and especially in heaven! Love you both! We have been honored to have you as our pastors shepherding and teaching us especially in the obeying trusting areas of our lives!!!