Hearing God’s Voice – The Calling of Samuel
March 12, 2025
Dr. Bradford Reaves
Crossway Christian Fellowship
1 Samuel 3
Introduction: Learning to Listen in a Noisy World
In the early days of radio, the world marveled at the ability to send messages across vast distances. Yet, early broadcasts were often plagued with interference and static, making it difficult to discern voices clearly. Listeners had to tune in carefully to hear the right frequency.
Hearing God’s voice requires the same intentional tuning in. 1 Samuel 3 presents the powerful moment when young Samuel learns to hear the voice of God. In contrast, Eli and his corrupt sons have become spiritually deaf. This chapter challenges us to ask: Are we tuned in to hear God’s voice, or have we let the noise of the world drown Him out?
I. The Silence Before the Call (1 Samuel 3:1-3)
The chapter opens with a striking statement: “And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision” (v. 1). This signals a spiritual drought in Israel—a time when God’s voice was largely unheard due to widespread corruption.
1 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. 2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. (1 Samuel 3:1–3)
A. Negative Aspects of God’s Silence (When Silence is a Judgment)
In 1 Samuel 3:1, it says: “The word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.”
This tells us that God’s silence was not accidental—it had meaning. Sometimes, God’s silence is due to judgment and sin, but other times, it is a time of waiting and preparation.
Silence can mean God is withholding His voice due to sin, rebellion, or lack of faith. Here are scriptures that illustrate this:
“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord God, “when I will send a famine on the land— not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. 12 They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, to seek the word of the Lord, but they shall not find it. (Amos 8:11–12)
Amos 8:11-12 – A Famine of Hearing God’s Word
When people reject God repeatedly, He withdraws His voice until they are desperate to hear Him again
This was happening in Eli’s day—sin had muted the voice of God.
1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; 2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. (Isaiah 59:1–2)
Isaiah 59:1-2 – Sin Separates Us from God
Sin creates spiritual deafness—not on God’s part, but on ours. Eli’s household had been warned, but they continued in corruption.
Then they will cry to the Lord, but he will not answer them; he will hide his face from them at that time, because they have made their deeds evil. (Micah 3:4)
Micah 3:4 – God Hides His Face from the Wicked
There comes a point where continued rebellion leads to silence.
God’s silence was part of Israel’s judgment during the time of the judges.
B. Positive Aspects of God’s Silence (When Silence is a Season of Testing & Growth)
There are also times when God is silent because He is teaching us to trust Him deeper. Here are some biblical examples:
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10)
Psalm 46:10 – Silence Can Be an Invitation to Trust
Sometimes God is silent because He is drawing us into deeper faith.
Silence is not absence—it is an invitation to lean in.
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. 26 It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. (Lamentations 3:25–26)
Lamentations 3:25-26 – Waiting in Silence for the Lord
Sometimes, silence is not punishment but preparation for something greater.
Samuel experienced a season of quiet faithfulness before God called him.
For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. (Habakkuk 2:3)
Habakkuk 2:3 – The Waiting Season Has a Purpose
Just because God is silent does not mean He is absent.
The right time will come for His voice to break through.
II. The Call of Samuel (1 Samuel 3:4-10)
In the stillness of the night, God calls Samuel by name. Yet, Samuel does not immediately recognize God’s voice and mistakes it for Eli’s.
Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” 5 and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. 6 And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” (1 Samuel 3:4–10)
Key Truths About God’s Call:
God’s call is personal. He speaks directly to Samuel, calling him by name (v. 4).
Spiritual discernment takes time. Samuel needed guidance from Eli to recognize God’s voice (v. 9).
A humble response is essential. Samuel finally answers, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears” (v. 10).
Application for Today:
Many believers struggle to discern whether God is speaking. Like Samuel, we must grow in recognizing His voice through prayer and practice.
Sometimes, God speaks, but we assume it’s something or someone else—we need spiritual mentors, like Eli, to help us discern.
The best posture to hear God’s voice is one of humility and readiness.
What Should We Do When God Seems Silent?
If God seems silent in our lives, we don’t just sit back passively—we actively seek Him. Here’s what the Bible teaches about what to do:
1. Examine Your Heart for Any Obstacles (Sin, Disobedience, or Distractions)
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23–24)
Ask God to reveal anything that may be blocking your ability to hear Him.
Is there unconfessed sin?
Are we ignoring something God already told us to do?
Proverbs 28:9 – “If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.”
If we refuse to listen to God’s Word, why would He speak further?
2. Return to What God Already Said
Isaiah 30:21 – “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”
• God’s voice is often clearest when we return to His Word.
• Have we ignored past instructions that He already gave us?
• Instead of waiting for new revelation, are we obeying what we already know?
3. Seek God in Stillness (Silence and Solitude)
1 Kings 19:11-12 – God’s Voice in a Whisper
• Elijah expected God to speak through wind, earthquake, and fire, but God spoke in a gentle whisper.
• Sometimes, God’s silence is an invitation to quiet our souls and listen more intently.
Psalm 62:1 – “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.”
• Silence is where revelation happens.
• We often fill our lives with so much noise that we drown out God’s voice.
4. Surround Yourself with Godly Counsel (Eli Helped Samuel Recognize God’s Voice)
Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
• Samuel needed Eli to guide him in recognizing God’s voice.
• Sometimes, we need spiritual mentors to help us discern what God is saying.
Trust That God is Speaking – Stay Faithful in the Silence
Hebrews 11:6 – “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”
God is always speaking—we just have to trust and seek Him.
If He is silent, stay faithful—He will speak in His perfect timing.
Many believers feel that God is silent, yet often, the problem is not God's absence but our own spiritual clutter.
Like Samuel, we must position ourselves near God’s presence, through prayer, Scripture, and quiet devotion.
In a world of constant noise, we must cultivate spiritual stillness to hear God’s voice clearly.
III. The Weight of the Message (1 Samuel 3:11-18)
God reveals to Samuel a devastating prophecy—the impending judgment against Eli’s house. This is a heavy message for a young boy to receive.
Then the Lord said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. 12 On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 13 And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. 14 Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.” 15 Samuel lay until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. 16 But Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” And he said, “Here I am.” 17 And Eli said, “What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.” 18 So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is the Lord. Let him do what seems good to him.” (1 Samuel 3:11–18)
Lessons from Samuel’s First Prophecy:
When Samuel hears from God, it isn’t a message of comfort—it’s a hard word of judgment against Eli’s house. This marks the transition of spiritual leadership, as God shifts from Eli’s compromised priesthood to Samuel, a faithful prophet.
God entrusts His word to those willing to listen. Samuel, though young, is chosen over Eli’s sons.
Judgment comes when warnings are ignored. Eli had received multiple warnings, but his refusal to act sealed his fate.
Delivering God’s message requires courage. Samuel is hesitant to tell Eli, but ultimately, he faithfully shares the truth (v. 18).
Biblical Examples of Carrying a Heavy Message
Throughout Scripture, God entrusts His servants with difficult words, requiring courage and obedience.
1. Jeremiah – The Burden of a Prophet
8 For whenever I speak, I cry out, I shout, “Violence and destruction!” For the word of the Lord has become for me a reproach and derision all day long. 9 If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot. (Jeremiah 20:8–9)
Preaching truth can be exhausting. You may feel opposition, weariness, or even frustration.
God’s word is like a fire inside you. You cannot hold back from speaking, even when people resist it.
17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. 18 If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. (Ezekiel 3:17–18)
Pastors and Churches are watchmen—responsible for warning and guiding God’s people.
If you don’t speak truth, you are accountable for their ignorance.
Silence in the face of sin and deception is disobedience.
26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. (Acts 20:26–27)
Application for Today:
When God speaks, it may not always be comfortable. Are we willing to listen, even when the message is challenging?
Ignoring God’s warnings leads to judgment. Eli knew the truth but failed to take action—this is a warning for spiritually passive leaders.
Faithfulness in the small things prepares us for greater responsibility. Samuel’s willingness to deliver the message shows his heart for obedience.
IV. The Establishing of Samuel as a Prophet (1 Samuel 3:19-21)
The chapter closes with a powerful declaration: “The Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground” (v. 19). Samuel becomes the mouthpiece of God, marking a new era of prophetic leadership.
And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord. 21 And the Lord appeared again at Shiloh, for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord. (1 Samuel 3:19–21)
Key Themes:
God raises up faithful leaders when others fail. With Eli’s household corrupt, Samuel becomes a leader who truly hears God.
God honors those who honor Him. Samuel’s obedience and humility lead to his words carrying weight.
Revival begins when people hear and respond to God’s voice. Israel had been in spiritual silence, but Samuel’s ministry restores divine direction.
Conclusion: The Radio Frequency of Faith
Imagine a radio dial, turning through static and interference, searching for a clear signal. Many people treat God’s voice like an unclear frequency, assuming He isn’t speaking when, in reality, they just haven’t tuned in.
Samuel’s story reminds us that God is always speaking—but only those willing to listen and respond will hear Him clearly.
Final Question: Are you tuned in to God’s voice, or is your life too full of interference to hear Him?
