"The Ere Lamp of God".

"The Ere Lamp of God".

1 Samuel 3:1-10 -"And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.

And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;

And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; 

That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.

And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.

And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.

Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.

And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.

Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth".

Many are they whose spiritual eyes have wax dim and cannot see these days. And many will say, they have been in the ministry for years, hence less attention to sharpen their spiritual eyes in God's presence and in their communion with Him.

In the midst of spiritual obscurity, here was one who God did not allow his spiritual eyes to wax dim. There in the temple God has kept His watch over him and kept him beside the ere lamp not to go out. 

Perhaps this was Samuel main task to be beside the ere lamp in the temple, and he didn't understand the purpose why he was there and not just to sleep as usual. 

Thank God for His mercy who kept Samuel awake, for that was almost last grace for the lamp not to be put out untill he was called by God for his full time ministry.

For every task given in God's house, the Lord keep watching His saint's diligence towards that task that seems small and unnoticed. This is where He will handpick the saint for greater assignment.

When Samuel was about to sleep, his call came for the lamp must not go out. This was his defining moment and turning point. And from his days as a child he has been in the temple, it was not a mere tradition for him to observe as he must have thought but sacred and for an eternal goal.

In that place of service you are as a saint, don't let go your diligence, zeal and commitment. One day like Samuel the true meaning of your commitment to that service will God use to call you forth to greater level with Him.

You might be the only one available for God to use in the midst of all. Not everyone at the temple are really available for Him. And not all who call themselves as His servants are His because of disobedience and sin. Many have been dropped by God and they don't even know this.

May God not write us off out of negligence and complacency and may we not be found wanting in Jesus Name.

The good Lord maintained His principles despite the fact that He was done with Eli and his sons. But for the priestly office, His principles He cannot alter.

Eli must need to finish his work concerning Samuel on how to hear from God before he leaves the office finally. 

Moreso, Samuel has been used to Eli, and God in wisdom used Eli's voice to call because he was under his tutelage, and through him still he will get to know Him by experience and encounter.

Of course He knew Samuel will not listen to the voice of a stranger and will not answer. He ensured Samuel was already used to Eli's voice and used same voice to manifest Himself to him.

Eli perceived that it was the Lord calling, as an experienced priest, he taught Samuel accurately on how to answer God. What a divine training!

As a very blessed Lord, He gave room for Samuel to get used to the call thrice. The need to properly hear very well. And also, trained to answer God in utmost reverence and humility.

It is very obvious that Samuel was aware of Eli's children corrupt lifestyle. Yet he did not join them in their sins and did not disregard Eli either. His excellent loyalty and humility proved him before God. Even though he has been designed for God's plan at that time.

It is one thing to be designed in God's ordained plan from the foundations and still miss it out of carelessness like dear Samson in the Bible. 

Samuel kept the ere lamp with utmost care and just as at when he was weary to sleep, his call came. His humility, perseverance and  loyalty stood for him.

There is one thing that God will remember you for that will not let you fail in your assignment in Jesus Name.

Keep your watch like the five wise virgins.(Matt. 25:1-13). May He meet you worthy and approved when He comes in Jesus Name.

God's Loving Heart.