Speak, Lord, For Your Servant Is Listening Series

SPEAK, LORD, FOR YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 3:1-21

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 6:8, Jeremiah 1:4-10, John 10:27, Acts 9:4-6, Revelation 2:7

INTRODUCTION:

The calling of Samuel marks a turning point in Israel’s spiritual history. In a time when “the word of the LORD was rare” and “there was no open vision,” God chose to break the silence by calling a young boy who had been faithfully serving under Eli. Samuel was not a priest by training, nor a prophet by lineage, yet his heart of service and spiritual sensitivity positioned him to hear the voice of God.

In a generation where spiritual deafness and moral compromise were rampant, God found in Samuel a vessel He could trust. This narrative teaches us that God does not call based on age, background, or position—but based on willingness, purity, and attentiveness. The posture of the heart matters more than the title one holds. Samuel's response, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening,” was not just a sentence—it was a lifestyle of submission and readiness to obey.

This passage is rich with lessons on divine calling, hearing God’s voice, and preparing for prophetic ministry. It highlights the importance of distinguishing God’s voice, the role of spiritual mentorship, and the need for availability over ability. When God speaks, He is looking for listeners who will respond, obey, and declare His word faithfully.

1. A SEASON OF DIVINE SILENCE

a) The Word Was Rare (1 Samuel 3:1)

The passage opens with a spiritual crisis—revelation was scarce. God’s voice was not commonly heard, not because He could not speak, but because few were in a position to listen.

b) The Lamp Had Not Gone Out (1 Samuel 3:3)

Although things were spiritually dark, the lamp of God had not yet gone out. This symbolises hope, a remnant, and God’s readiness to speak if He finds the right vessel.

c) Spiritual Blindness in Leadership (1 Samuel 3:2)

Eli's physical blindness reflected his spiritual condition. Leaders who cannot see spiritually will not hear accurately, making it difficult to discern God’s voice.

d) A Need for Prophetic Restoration

The nation was in need of direction. Prophetic clarity had diminished. When God wants to restore a generation, He often begins by calling a prophet.

e) Biblical Example: In Isaiah’s time, amid national decay, God broke through and called Isaiah with a divine encounter (Isaiah 6:1–8).

2. THE PREPARATION OF A HEARING HEART

a) Samuel Ministered Before the Lord (1 Samuel 3:1)

Though young, Samuel served faithfully in the house of God. God often calls those who are already serving—not spectators, but labourers.

b) He Was Lying in the Right Place (1 Samuel 3:3)

Samuel was near the ark of God, symbolising nearness to God's presence. Physical positioning can reflect spiritual hunger and intimacy.

c) God Called Him by Name (1 Samuel 3:4)

God’s call is personal. He doesn't call by titles or achievements, but by name. The personal nature of His call speaks of relationship and purpose.

d) Repeated Call Due to Lack of Recognition (1 Samuel 3:4–8)

Samuel didn’t recognise God’s voice initially. This shows that discernment develops with time and mentorship.

e) Biblical Example: Moses also needed God’s persistent calling at the burning bush before he responded fully (Exodus 3:1–6).

3. THE ROLE OF SPIRITUAL MENTORSHIP

a) Eli Perceived It Was the Lord (1 Samuel 3:8–9)

Though Eli had lost intimacy with God, he could still guide Samuel to respond correctly. Mentors may be weak, but they can still serve as guides.

b) Guidance Towards the Right Response

Eli taught Samuel how to respond: “Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.” Without this instruction, Samuel might have missed the divine appointment.

c) Mentors Help Us Interpret Encounters

Many divine moments are lost because there is no one to interpret them. Mentorship provides the framework for understanding divine dealings.

d) Honour for Authority Opens Doors

Samuel did not despise Eli despite his failings. Honour for spiritual authority creates access to divine instruction.

e) Biblical Example: Elisha followed Elijah closely and received mentorship before stepping into full prophetic office (2 Kings 2:1–15).

4. THE POWER OF RESPONSE TO GOD’S VOICE

a) Samuel’s Willingness (1 Samuel 3:10)

When Samuel responded with “Speak, Lord,” he demonstrated availability, humility, and openness—qualities every servant of God must possess.

b) God Entrusted Him with a Weighty Word

The message God gave Samuel was not light—it was a word of judgment. God trusts those who are faithful with difficult truths.

c) Prophets Are Called to Speak Unpopular Truths (1 Samuel 3:11–14)

Samuel’s first assignment was to deliver judgment upon Eli’s house. True prophetic ministry requires courage and faithfulness.

d) Response Releases Revelation

When Samuel responded, God continued to appear and speak to him. The more we respond to God, the more He entrusts us with.