Samuel 1:3-20
Tomorrow we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the anniversary of his birth, January 1, 1929. He was born in his grandparent’s house on Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia. Martin was raised in a home where family, education and faith were a priority and he ultimately followed in his father’s footsteps to become a minister.
“In a speech expressing his views on “the true mission of the Church,” Martin Luther King, Sr., told his fellow clergymen that they must not forget the words of God: “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor.... In this we find we are to do something about the brokenhearted, poor, unemployed, the captive, the blind, and the bruised” (King, Sr., 17 October 1940). Martin Luther King, Jr., credited his father with influencing his decision to join the ministry, saying: “He set forth a noble example that I didn’t [mind] following” (Papers 1:363).
Our Scripture today was about a miracle child, born to Hannah, a faithful believer in God. She named him Samuel, meaning ‘God Heard.’
Hannah believed that God heard her cries and prayers for a son and vowed to send him to serve the Lord. Little Samuel began his life in the tabernacle at about the age of 3 or 4, in the care and teachings of Eli, the high priest.
He slept in the tent of the tabernacle, a most holy place, where the ark of the covenant was kept.
It was during the night when God first spoke to Samuel, probably scaring the boy when he wakened him with his call. Samuel ran to Eli, believing it was him because Scripture tells us, ‘In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.’
Eli instructed Samuel to answer, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”
God’s message to Samuel was not an easy one. God was angry with Eli and his sons for abusing their power and the people of Israel. It was time to strip Eli of his authority and Samuel was the one chosen to tell Eli.
Samuel did not want to repeat God’s words to the man who had acted as his guardian and mentor. He was afraid, but Eli helped Samuel understand that no matter how difficult it was, Samuel must obey God.
Both Samuel and Martin Luther King Jr. grew in faith from the time they were little children. Both men had families that loved them deeply and loved God with all of their hearts. It is no wonder that they were chosen to be God’s messengers.
We can learn from these men that we must listen to God when he calls.
Pastor Sarah said:
“Our Scripture lesson is a reminder that first and foremost, our call is to listen to God above all others, and when necessary, to speak the truth as followers of Christ. God cherishes each and every child. There is no place in God’s kingdom for discrimination. For in so doing, we will clear the path for justice and peace. For in so doing, we will become the beloved community that waits for us in our dreams.”
Peace be with you
