FAITH CAPSULE: Many are self-ordained leaders but the word of the Lord is rare and no widespread revelation.

1 Samuel 3

It is written, “Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation.  And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see, and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the Lord where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down, that the Lord called Samuel. And he answered, “Here I am!” So he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” And he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” And he went and lay down.” (1 Samuel 3:1-5) Evidently, Samuel was ministering to the Lord before Eli but did not know God but he knew about God. When there is no knowing God, His word shall be rare and not widespread with revelation. So many are ministering to the Lord before a leader that does not conversant with the word of God and could not hear from God. Eli was there but not in place to be called by God but God called on the boy Samuel that was yet to know God.
Many are self-ordained leaders such as pastor, prophets or apostles but the word of the Lord is rare and no widespread revelation.
At the time of Samuel’s calling there was no understanding of who God was and Samuel could not answer like one that knows God. Knowledge is wealth and it is also the power to be different when there is understanding. Eli, by his understanding and knowledge with the Lord, he directed Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.” (1 Samuel 3:9) Samuel with understanding that was acquired when Eli directed him made him to know what to do and hear from God. It is written, “Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.” Then the LORD said to Samuel…” (1 Samuel 3:10-11) The boy Samuel understood and he knew how to hear from God and it made the difference of His knowing God. Knowing to quote the scripture is not an evidence of knowing God. It is important to know the word of God and live as one that knows God. Do you know God or you are one that only knows so much about the word of God? Gain the understanding to know God and live life for His glory.

Prayer for today: Ask God for the grace not to miss knowing Him to answer for His calling.