WEBVTT 00:00:00.440 --> 00:00:06.900 Thanks, Graham. Before we dive into that passage, let's just pray together. Let's pray. 00:00:11.320 --> 00:00:17.760 Father, this evening we come to a familiar passage to many of us, but Father, I pray that we would look at it afresh. 00:00:18.719 --> 00:00:27.060 That we would see how this passage written thousands of years ago is still just as applicable to our lives today as it was back then. 00:00:27.059 --> 00:00:32.460 Give us soft hearts and open ears that we may learn from your word. 00:00:33.479 --> 00:00:39.340 Lord, I pray that I would decrease and that you would increase. In Jesus' name. Amen. 00:00:41.519 --> 00:00:47.259 I wonder if many of your parents when you were growing up had a phrase that you just can't get out of your head. 00:00:47.259 --> 00:00:56.939 So when I was growing up, I remember my dad stressing the importance of listening by saying that God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. 00:00:57.580 --> 00:01:03.500 We had to listen twice as much as we speak. And I'm not sure I quite got that. 00:01:03.540 --> 00:01:09.540 I was quite a naughty child. But anyway, listening is of vital importance in our everyday lives. 00:01:10.579 --> 00:01:13.359 Listening is the foundation of building relationships. 00:01:13.740 --> 00:01:19.400 I wouldn't be a good husband if I didn't listen to my wife, Sabina, at all, would I? 00:01:19.400 --> 00:01:30.260 Listening is also important because sometimes whether you listen or not will be the deciding factor between life and death. 00:01:30.260 --> 00:01:41.500 So if you go whitewater rafting and the instructor hands you a life vest and explains how to be part of the team as you maneuver this boat down a winding river. 00:01:42.160 --> 00:01:49.480 He tells you which part of the waters to avoid and what to do in the off chance that you fall in. 00:01:49.780 --> 00:01:56.280 If you do not listen to his instructions and if you do fall in the water, your chances aren't very good. 00:01:56.280 --> 00:01:59.280 Or what about flying? 00:02:00.159 --> 00:02:10.360 The air hosts always give their safety demonstration and they purposefully ask all people on the flight to remove headphones and pay attention for those few minutes. 00:02:10.360 --> 00:02:19.500 My wife and I were flying just a few weeks ago and we could see people chatting, listening to music and even watching movies during this safety demonstration. 00:02:20.520 --> 00:02:22.260 And we were sitting in the exit aisle. 00:02:22.480 --> 00:02:25.940 So we got the extra chat from the air hostess. 00:02:25.939 --> 00:02:33.680 She came over and made sure that we knew how to open the door, how to open the door, how to make sure people could get out properly. 00:02:34.319 --> 00:02:41.919 And if we didn't listen during that 20 seconds, then if the plane did go down, we would not be very popular people. 00:02:41.919 --> 00:02:49.459 Or even listening to doctors advice, medication, treatment plans or a diagnosis. 00:02:50.099 --> 00:02:52.060 It's expected that you'll listen. 00:02:52.619 --> 00:02:57.439 And if we don't listen, then we could be putting ourselves at risk or prolonging an illness. 00:02:58.979 --> 00:03:03.199 Listening is vitally important for everyday lives. 00:03:04.359 --> 00:03:05.819 But how often do we fail? 00:03:07.819 --> 00:03:10.779 Do you ever catch yourself zoning out in a conversation? 00:03:10.780 --> 00:03:18.240 Maybe you've just asked a question and the person has just started their response and your mind is already a million miles away. 00:03:18.699 --> 00:03:20.939 And you're staring at them blank in the face. 00:03:22.180 --> 00:03:23.580 What about in church? 00:03:24.280 --> 00:03:27.460 How easy is it for us to stop listening during a sermon? 00:03:28.920 --> 00:03:34.439 During the reading of God's word, during the singing, it's easy to switch off to the lyrics that we sing. 00:03:35.719 --> 00:03:39.539 Or in a prayer, when we focus on the pew in front of us, 00:03:39.539 --> 00:03:45.479 instead of agreeing with the petitions that the person is leading us before our living God. 00:03:46.719 --> 00:03:49.639 Listening is vitally important for our everyday lives. 00:03:50.459 --> 00:03:53.219 And this evening, the question I want us to ponder is, 00:03:53.379 --> 00:03:56.479 are you listening to the word of the Lord? 00:03:56.479 --> 00:04:01.479 The word of the Lord has all of the answers that we need. 00:04:02.199 --> 00:04:06.019 Tells us about God, how we can be made right with him. 00:04:06.219 --> 00:04:10.120 And it tells us how we should live in a way that is pleasing to him. 00:04:10.719 --> 00:04:16.539 But we need to be willing to listen to and submit to what it says. 00:04:16.540 --> 00:04:22.080 The word of the Lord is available for everyone to read. 00:04:22.540 --> 00:04:24.160 The word of the Lord is challenging. 00:04:25.040 --> 00:04:26.460 It is transforming. 00:04:27.020 --> 00:04:28.100 It is glorious. 00:04:28.820 --> 00:04:30.900 And it is truth. 00:04:30.899 --> 00:04:37.079 But there is a tendency in our world for people to neglect the word of the Lord. 00:04:37.739 --> 00:04:41.439 For it to be absent in people's minds and hearts. 00:04:41.759 --> 00:04:43.019 And that is what we will see this evening. 00:04:43.939 --> 00:04:45.979 But the word of the Lord is active. 00:04:47.079 --> 00:04:50.839 When people listen to and submit to the word of the Lord, things change. 00:04:51.239 --> 00:04:52.500 Lives are transformed. 00:04:53.039 --> 00:04:56.839 And people glorify and praise the one true God. 00:04:56.839 --> 00:05:00.219 The word of the Lord causes action. 00:05:00.799 --> 00:05:03.839 It moves people and it transforms the reader. 00:05:04.299 --> 00:05:07.139 Are you listening to the word of the Lord? 00:05:08.099 --> 00:05:12.139 Keep that question in the back of your mind as we look at this passage together. 00:05:13.120 --> 00:05:17.819 The first thing that we see in this passage is when the word is absent. 00:05:18.379 --> 00:05:19.759 Verses 1 to 10. 00:05:19.879 --> 00:05:21.419 When the word is absent. 00:05:22.519 --> 00:05:25.839 Now you're probably thinking that the wording of this title isn't really correct. 00:05:25.839 --> 00:05:28.759 Because at this point Israel had the law. 00:05:28.839 --> 00:05:30.279 And that is perfectly true. 00:05:32.560 --> 00:05:35.479 But the reason I say that the word of the Lord is absent. 00:05:36.319 --> 00:05:40.439 Is because even though they physically had the law with them in Israel. 00:05:40.639 --> 00:05:41.979 They didn't listen to it. 00:05:43.219 --> 00:05:46.219 The word of the Lord was physically present in written form. 00:05:46.319 --> 00:05:49.579 But it was absent from Israel's heart and Israel's mind. 00:05:51.459 --> 00:05:55.799 Verse 1 gives us the setting that Samuel is in at this stage of his life. 00:05:55.839 --> 00:06:01.319 Samuel is described as a boy who is ministering before the Lord. 00:06:01.379 --> 00:06:05.659 Meaning that he was fulfilling some form of duties under the supervision of Eli. 00:06:06.939 --> 00:06:10.319 Samuel at this point probably would have been around 12 years old. 00:06:11.479 --> 00:06:15.919 And the situation that he is ministering in is spiritually dire. 00:06:15.920 --> 00:06:22.420 In those days, verse 1 says, the word of the Lord was rare. 00:06:23.180 --> 00:06:25.000 There were not many visions. 00:06:26.220 --> 00:06:30.700 The word of the Lord was absent because people had no regard for it. 00:06:31.700 --> 00:06:33.280 They didn't care for the law. 00:06:33.660 --> 00:06:37.120 Each did what was right in his own eyes. 00:06:37.120 --> 00:06:43.800 God did not reveal himself to the people and they were not seeking his face. 00:06:45.259 --> 00:06:54.439 During times of flagrant sin throughout history, God's silence was an indication of his displeasure with his people. 00:06:54.439 --> 00:06:59.480 And this is the situation that Samuel is ministering in. 00:07:00.300 --> 00:07:02.360 The leaders are spiritually corrupt. 00:07:02.959 --> 00:07:04.819 God's people weren't listening to God. 00:07:04.879 --> 00:07:06.120 They rejected him. 00:07:06.920 --> 00:07:11.899 The book of Judges describes the spiritual climate in Israel at that time. 00:07:12.360 --> 00:07:14.939 And it was as cold as the chicken that sits in my freezer. 00:07:16.240 --> 00:07:18.600 Israel was caught in a cycle of sin. 00:07:18.600 --> 00:07:22.100 The people sinned and rebelled against God. 00:07:22.400 --> 00:07:25.680 They were called back and for a short time they obeyed. 00:07:26.400 --> 00:07:31.040 But then they plummeted back into the depths of their sin. 00:07:31.120 --> 00:07:34.800 And this cycle goes on and on through the whole of the Old Testament. 00:07:36.680 --> 00:07:42.580 When Israel was obedient to God and to his law, times of blessing came. 00:07:43.439 --> 00:07:44.740 The people were at peace. 00:07:45.240 --> 00:07:46.300 Peace with God. 00:07:46.660 --> 00:07:48.500 And people sought to know his will. 00:07:48.600 --> 00:07:53.180 But in times of disobedience, everyone turned their backs. 00:07:54.000 --> 00:07:56.280 Each looked to his own fields. 00:07:56.960 --> 00:07:58.460 His own family. 00:07:58.620 --> 00:07:59.879 His own land. 00:08:00.020 --> 00:08:00.820 His own house. 00:08:00.920 --> 00:08:01.860 His own heart. 00:08:02.260 --> 00:08:04.980 And had no thought for God at all. 00:08:05.580 --> 00:08:07.640 For his law or for his plan. 00:08:08.800 --> 00:08:10.700 And in times like this, God was silent. 00:08:11.300 --> 00:08:12.900 The word of the Lord was rare. 00:08:14.140 --> 00:08:16.220 The word of the Lord seems absent. 00:08:16.220 --> 00:08:24.300 But notice the contrast that this book draws out between Samuel and Eli and his sons. 00:08:24.300 --> 00:08:30.620 In the midst of this dark period of disobedience to God and deficit of his voice. 00:08:30.620 --> 00:08:31.120 The priests. 00:08:31.120 --> 00:08:36.039 The ones who should be leading the worship of God. 00:08:36.039 --> 00:08:40.039 The ones who should be setting an example of godly living. 00:08:40.039 --> 00:08:45.500 The ones who are supposed to be teaching the people the ways of God. 00:08:45.500 --> 00:08:48.959 Inviting them to come and worship their creator. 00:08:49.899 --> 00:08:53.219 Have turned to the desires of their flesh instead. 00:08:54.699 --> 00:09:01.620 Chapter 2 outlines how Eli's sons committed horrifying acts against others for their own physical pleasure. 00:09:01.620 --> 00:09:08.779 How they disregarded God's law and threatened worshippers so that they could get their fill of nice food. 00:09:10.639 --> 00:09:14.740 These priests were not serving the Lord but they were serving themselves. 00:09:15.919 --> 00:09:18.659 And they had made a mockery of the priesthood. 00:09:20.360 --> 00:09:21.899 And Eli was silent. 00:09:22.740 --> 00:09:24.440 He did not rebuke his sons. 00:09:24.440 --> 00:09:26.900 Once he called them out. 00:09:26.900 --> 00:09:28.660 But he didn't really follow it up. 00:09:29.060 --> 00:09:31.120 He didn't chastise them for their actions. 00:09:31.120 --> 00:09:32.460 But he remained quiet. 00:09:33.560 --> 00:09:36.920 Even when someone came and predicted judgment on him. 00:09:37.160 --> 00:09:39.220 His family and his family he did nothing. 00:09:40.320 --> 00:09:43.960 This lack of devotion and disobedience. 00:09:44.260 --> 00:09:47.940 Is contrasted with that of Samuel. 00:09:47.940 --> 00:09:56.140 The boy who in the first chapters of this book is always characterized by ministering before the Lord. 00:09:58.140 --> 00:10:02.000 Eli's depicted as an old man who was weak and could barely see. 00:10:03.100 --> 00:10:06.380 And this lack of sight is both physical and spiritual. 00:10:07.540 --> 00:10:15.200 But Samuel is raised up and depicted as a humble, servant-hearted, devout young teenager. 00:10:15.200 --> 00:10:18.420 And you can see Samuel's obedience, can't you? 00:10:18.660 --> 00:10:25.740 When in the middle of the night this 12-year-old boy hears his name and gets up because he thinks it's Eli calling. 00:10:27.600 --> 00:10:30.440 I don't know many 12-year-olds who would do that. 00:10:32.400 --> 00:10:34.400 But Samuel is so obedient. 00:10:34.820 --> 00:10:36.500 So willing to serve. 00:10:37.780 --> 00:10:39.340 That he gets out of bed. 00:10:39.460 --> 00:10:40.460 No hint of hesitation. 00:10:41.220 --> 00:10:43.400 No hint of resentment in his voice. 00:10:43.399 --> 00:10:49.600 And no annoyance when three times Eli says, I didn't call you. 00:10:51.079 --> 00:10:55.720 Even in the middle of the night, when we are at our weakest, 00:10:57.079 --> 00:11:02.379 Samuel has amazing obedience and a tremendous servant heart. 00:11:03.500 --> 00:11:08.539 Samuel was ready to learn, ready to serve and ready to obey when he is called upon. 00:11:08.539 --> 00:11:14.419 And the author is building up the tension in this story by using repetition. 00:11:15.219 --> 00:11:19.339 Like the countdown at the beginning of a children's sports day race. 00:11:19.559 --> 00:11:20.819 Ready, steady, go. 00:11:22.539 --> 00:11:26.759 As each child stands on that starting line, eager to hear that word go, 00:11:26.839 --> 00:11:31.379 they're jumping, ready to start the race, eager to see how they do. 00:11:31.379 --> 00:11:37.279 And so the author of 1 Samuel is building the tension as the Lord calls Samuel. 00:11:38.960 --> 00:11:41.879 And we're supposed to be sitting at the edge of our seats. 00:11:42.779 --> 00:11:44.379 Ready to see what's coming. 00:11:44.559 --> 00:11:46.399 Ready to hear what the future holds. 00:11:46.860 --> 00:11:49.200 And ready to hear the Lord speak. 00:11:49.200 --> 00:11:52.340 This marks the beginning of something new. 00:11:53.280 --> 00:11:55.360 Something different in the nation of Israel. 00:11:56.180 --> 00:11:58.060 Something's going to be different about this boy. 00:11:58.160 --> 00:11:59.879 He hears and obeys. 00:12:00.300 --> 00:12:03.100 He has an attentive ear and he wants to serve. 00:12:03.800 --> 00:12:08.040 This boy will not become a priest whose main objective is to serve himself. 00:12:08.780 --> 00:12:11.500 Or whose desire is to gain rather than to give. 00:12:11.759 --> 00:12:15.340 This young man is being called by God and Eli realizes that. 00:12:15.700 --> 00:12:18.580 The third time Samuel runs into his room in verse 9. 00:12:19.200 --> 00:12:24.000 But after the second time Samuel runs to Eli, 00:12:24.180 --> 00:12:26.700 we have a little comment from the author in verse 7. 00:12:27.600 --> 00:12:28.680 And it says this. 00:12:29.700 --> 00:12:32.200 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord. 00:12:32.720 --> 00:12:36.259 The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 00:12:37.040 --> 00:12:42.100 This is an interesting comment which gives us a picture of Samuel's life. 00:12:43.140 --> 00:12:45.940 But this does not mean that he did not believe in God. 00:12:45.940 --> 00:12:49.060 This does not mean that he had no faith. 00:12:49.500 --> 00:12:53.960 But it means that he had not yet been given a prophetic revelation of the Lord. 00:12:54.120 --> 00:12:55.880 As he would receive that very morning. 00:12:57.540 --> 00:13:01.020 Samuel had not yet experienced the call of the Lord. 00:13:01.240 --> 00:13:03.000 But that would all change soon enough. 00:13:05.520 --> 00:13:10.180 Eli realizes that Samuel is not just playing a trick on him to wake him up in the early hours of the morning. 00:13:10.179 --> 00:13:12.099 As those 12 year olds love to do. 00:13:13.479 --> 00:13:17.599 But he has come to the conclusion that God is calling on him. 00:13:18.979 --> 00:13:24.099 It took a total of three times for the high priest to realize that God was calling. 00:13:26.279 --> 00:13:26.759 Shocking. 00:13:26.759 --> 00:13:30.080 But Eli says to Samuel. 00:13:30.519 --> 00:13:34.860 Go and respond and say speak Lord for your servant is listening in verse 9. 00:13:36.059 --> 00:13:38.919 And the Lord comes and reveals himself to Samuel. 00:13:39.340 --> 00:13:41.899 God speaks and his servant listens. 00:13:43.139 --> 00:13:47.480 The person that you would least expect to become the mouthpiece of God. 00:13:48.279 --> 00:13:51.039 The boy who ran the errands for the priests. 00:13:51.700 --> 00:13:54.799 The boy who you'd easily look over if he was in a crowd. 00:13:54.799 --> 00:13:59.539 He is the one that God has chosen fit to reveal himself to. 00:14:01.019 --> 00:14:03.259 Was this because Samuel was anything special? 00:14:04.559 --> 00:14:09.159 Well in a sense yes because he was obedient and was ministering before the Lord. 00:14:09.779 --> 00:14:11.319 When others were serving themselves. 00:14:11.839 --> 00:14:14.439 But no because he's just a little boy. 00:14:15.039 --> 00:14:17.219 There's no mention of any special gifts. 00:14:18.979 --> 00:14:21.639 And yet God graciously steps in. 00:14:22.859 --> 00:14:23.899 And calls him. 00:14:24.799 --> 00:14:27.019 The only exceptional thing about Samuel. 00:14:27.539 --> 00:14:28.719 Is his God. 00:14:30.259 --> 00:14:32.019 In this time of silence. 00:14:32.139 --> 00:14:33.479 In this time of disobedience. 00:14:33.579 --> 00:14:34.859 Where people no longer hear. 00:14:35.459 --> 00:14:36.620 And no longer care. 00:14:36.819 --> 00:14:37.899 For what the Lord has to say. 00:14:37.979 --> 00:14:38.819 God steps in. 00:14:39.500 --> 00:14:41.139 And calls Samuel. 00:14:43.699 --> 00:14:46.339 Are you listening to the word of the Lord? 00:14:46.340 --> 00:14:51.600 Now this is a very specific call to a very specific person. 00:14:51.600 --> 00:14:53.600 For a very specific purpose. 00:14:54.680 --> 00:15:00.680 We shouldn't read this passage and expect to hear an audible voice calling us to special tasks. 00:15:01.680 --> 00:15:06.379 But we do find ourselves in a similar spiritual situation as Samuel. 00:15:06.379 --> 00:15:12.740 The UK probably has more Bibles in it than it has ever had. 00:15:13.919 --> 00:15:16.100 Edinburgh is full of church buildings. 00:15:17.100 --> 00:15:21.820 Scottish history is full of stories of how God has worked wonders in this land. 00:15:21.820 --> 00:15:23.820 But where do we stand today? 00:15:26.960 --> 00:15:29.740 Bibles sit gathering dust in coffee shops. 00:15:30.800 --> 00:15:33.320 Untouched for years on people's bookshelves. 00:15:33.980 --> 00:15:37.680 Or in the unpacked boxes from that house move 20 years ago. 00:15:37.679 --> 00:15:43.839 Church buildings are being turned into shops and event venues. 00:15:44.419 --> 00:15:46.739 And those that do still have a church family. 00:15:47.219 --> 00:15:49.919 Some of them are struggling to keep the doors open. 00:15:51.719 --> 00:15:54.279 Walk down Prince's Street on a Saturday midday. 00:15:54.399 --> 00:15:57.399 And listen to some of the conversations that are going on around you. 00:15:57.699 --> 00:16:02.000 And you will not have to guess how far our nation has wandered from our God. 00:16:04.219 --> 00:16:07.099 We live in a time of spiritual barrenness. 00:16:07.100 --> 00:16:09.420 In a world that has forgotten God. 00:16:09.759 --> 00:16:11.940 And in a world that mocks those who are faithful. 00:16:13.240 --> 00:16:18.360 A world that uses Jesus' name often but never in terms of praise. 00:16:18.620 --> 00:16:20.159 But rather as a curse word. 00:16:21.100 --> 00:16:23.980 Our country is spiritually dry. 00:16:26.420 --> 00:16:28.360 And this is not only the case for Scotland. 00:16:29.300 --> 00:16:31.160 There have been times like this before. 00:16:31.320 --> 00:16:34.399 Times where God's word appeared absent. 00:16:34.399 --> 00:16:41.360 The page in our Bibles that separates the Old Testament from the New Testament did not pass overnight. 00:16:42.860 --> 00:16:46.939 It was a 400 year period during which the Lord was silent. 00:16:47.639 --> 00:16:50.600 He did not reveal himself to his people. 00:16:50.959 --> 00:16:52.039 Until one day. 00:16:52.779 --> 00:16:55.079 A man stood in the wilderness and said. 00:16:55.539 --> 00:16:58.720 That one would come after him who was greater than he was. 00:16:58.720 --> 00:17:02.040 And then on the bank of the River Jordan. 00:17:02.040 --> 00:17:08.960 We see God in the flesh calling people in Mark's gospel to repent and believe the good news. 00:17:09.299 --> 00:17:13.779 This is the call that every single person needs to hear. 00:17:14.779 --> 00:17:17.579 God has revealed himself to us in the flesh. 00:17:17.759 --> 00:17:19.000 In Jesus Christ. 00:17:19.180 --> 00:17:20.680 And in the pages of the Bible. 00:17:20.680 --> 00:17:23.600 Will you listen to his call? 00:17:26.019 --> 00:17:32.299 Will you accept his offer of forgiveness of sins and the opportunity for you to be made right with God. 00:17:32.560 --> 00:17:36.279 And to have the assurance of an eternity spent with him. 00:17:37.799 --> 00:17:40.360 Do not take this calling lightly. 00:17:41.440 --> 00:17:42.640 It was costly. 00:17:44.060 --> 00:17:46.600 Jesus died on a cross to make it possible. 00:17:47.060 --> 00:17:49.039 He paid the price that we could not. 00:17:49.039 --> 00:17:52.759 He died the death that we deserve. 00:17:54.460 --> 00:17:57.039 So that we could be part of God's family. 00:17:59.200 --> 00:18:02.279 But the main point of this passage is not Samuel's call. 00:18:03.059 --> 00:18:04.259 And it's not us. 00:18:04.639 --> 00:18:07.619 The main focus of this passage is God himself. 00:18:09.740 --> 00:18:11.519 As we read through it. 00:18:11.579 --> 00:18:14.440 Maybe you saw some of the characteristics of God. 00:18:14.980 --> 00:18:16.059 God is patient. 00:18:16.059 --> 00:18:19.159 God is gentle and God is kind. 00:18:20.059 --> 00:18:23.539 God does not chastise Samuel for not recognizing his voice. 00:18:25.519 --> 00:18:29.700 God does not get frustrated because Samuel thinks it's Eli calling. 00:18:29.940 --> 00:18:32.039 God doesn't just say, Samuel, wake up. 00:18:32.399 --> 00:18:33.579 Understand what's happening. 00:18:33.579 --> 00:18:36.240 But God is patient. 00:18:36.799 --> 00:18:38.460 Gentle and kind. 00:18:38.460 --> 00:18:44.940 And as Jesus stands on the bank of the river Jordan and calls people to repentance. 00:18:45.299 --> 00:18:46.740 We see God's patience. 00:18:47.059 --> 00:18:50.819 Because he's making it possible for the world to be forgiven. 00:18:51.680 --> 00:18:55.019 He's giving a window of time for us to repent. 00:18:56.279 --> 00:19:02.860 We see God's gentleness because God isn't shouting, repent and believe the good news from a cloud in the sky. 00:19:02.859 --> 00:19:06.519 But God stepped into our world. 00:19:06.839 --> 00:19:09.759 Was tempted and tried just as we are. 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:11.779 And he cares for our souls. 00:19:13.019 --> 00:19:15.539 He does not want people to suffer punishment. 00:19:15.699 --> 00:19:20.519 But is waiting patiently and lovingly for people to come to him. 00:19:20.519 --> 00:19:27.099 And we see God's kindness because the thing that separates us from God. 00:19:27.900 --> 00:19:33.559 Our big problem, our sin, our wrongdoings, our corruption, our filth, our rotten core. 00:19:34.559 --> 00:19:37.539 Was taken up by God himself on the cross. 00:19:37.539 --> 00:19:46.180 In God's great kindness, he pardoned our sins so that we can be made right with him. 00:19:46.960 --> 00:19:50.180 This is the call that is ringing out of the word of the Lord. 00:19:50.279 --> 00:19:51.079 Are you listening? 00:19:52.240 --> 00:19:53.740 And are you telling others? 00:19:56.740 --> 00:20:02.200 The second thing that we see in this passage is when the word is active. 00:20:02.359 --> 00:20:04.339 Verses 11 to 4.1. 00:20:04.899 --> 00:20:06.539 When the word is active. 00:20:07.539 --> 00:20:13.279 So in the midst of this horrible situation of disobedience and apparent absence of God's word. 00:20:13.440 --> 00:20:16.500 The Lord steps in and delivers his message to Samuel. 00:20:17.879 --> 00:20:20.539 But this is not a detail to be overlooked. 00:20:21.740 --> 00:20:23.279 Nor should it be taken lightly. 00:20:24.319 --> 00:20:28.619 I think far too often we don't consider the importance of God's word. 00:20:28.879 --> 00:20:35.500 We don't stress the sheer privilege it is for us to be able to hold this book in our hands. 00:20:35.500 --> 00:20:38.920 And say that this is God's word. 00:20:40.839 --> 00:20:43.079 The word of God is so important. 00:20:43.400 --> 00:20:45.539 So that little comment in verse 11. 00:20:46.500 --> 00:20:50.740 That the Lord said to Samuel is no small matter. 00:20:50.740 --> 00:20:54.859 This is the God of the universe. 00:20:55.579 --> 00:20:58.579 The creator of the heavens and the earth. 00:20:58.900 --> 00:21:03.440 The one who set in motion the grand plan of salvation with all of its intricacies. 00:21:04.539 --> 00:21:08.980 The God who has always been and the God who will always be. 00:21:08.980 --> 00:21:12.480 Speaks to a little boy. 00:21:14.720 --> 00:21:18.240 Speaks into the spiritual wilderness that is the nation of Israel. 00:21:18.339 --> 00:21:20.339 And has a message for Eli and his family. 00:21:22.279 --> 00:21:26.339 But Samuel's first message from the Lord is not a nice message of deliverance. 00:21:26.339 --> 00:21:29.299 It's not a message of God's favor. 00:21:30.119 --> 00:21:34.199 But it is a prediction of judgment that will come upon Eli and his family. 00:21:35.019 --> 00:21:36.980 And all of Israel will hear it. 00:21:37.879 --> 00:21:39.259 In verse 13. 00:21:39.819 --> 00:21:44.459 It says that Eli's sons will be judged for their actions of blasphemy against the Lord. 00:21:45.039 --> 00:21:47.699 And Eli will be judged because he knew of their sins. 00:21:48.079 --> 00:21:49.359 And he did nothing about it. 00:21:49.359 --> 00:21:54.319 The sons are being judged for their lack of religious leadership. 00:21:55.259 --> 00:21:58.959 And Eli is being judged for his lack of household leadership. 00:22:00.819 --> 00:22:04.039 Eli's sons are misusing their position as priests. 00:22:04.159 --> 00:22:05.479 And they are cursing God. 00:22:06.639 --> 00:22:08.979 They are serving themselves, not God. 00:22:09.059 --> 00:22:11.119 And they are making a mockery of the priesthood. 00:22:11.639 --> 00:22:13.379 The problem with these priests. 00:22:13.919 --> 00:22:17.000 Is that they are purposefully and in full knowledge. 00:22:17.299 --> 00:22:18.759 Walking in sin. 00:22:19.359 --> 00:22:21.419 They are working against God. 00:22:23.240 --> 00:22:25.519 Later on you can look to Leviticus 4. 00:22:25.619 --> 00:22:28.079 Where we see the laws concerning the sin offering. 00:22:30.019 --> 00:22:34.699 God had given guidelines for sacrifices that would atone for the unwitting sin. 00:22:34.799 --> 00:22:36.599 Both of the priests and for Israel. 00:22:37.319 --> 00:22:41.839 But there is no sacrifice for those who are consciously walking in sin. 00:22:42.319 --> 00:22:44.899 Deliberately living against God's word. 00:22:44.900 --> 00:22:50.000 This shows us how serious God takes sin. 00:22:53.000 --> 00:22:54.200 Under the new covenant. 00:22:54.340 --> 00:22:56.620 The punishment for such sins is not death. 00:22:56.960 --> 00:22:59.820 And by that I mean that God isn't going to strike anyone down. 00:22:59.980 --> 00:23:00.980 For their sins. 00:23:01.220 --> 00:23:02.000 For their actions. 00:23:02.000 --> 00:23:06.160 But if people live their lives in complete unrepentance. 00:23:06.160 --> 00:23:06.680 And disobedience. 00:23:06.680 --> 00:23:08.519 And disobedience. 00:23:08.519 --> 00:23:11.960 Like thousands upon thousands of people are doing in Edinburgh this evening. 00:23:12.960 --> 00:23:16.500 Then on that final day when God comes to judge the world. 00:23:16.900 --> 00:23:20.579 They will be eternally under his punishment and judgment. 00:23:20.579 --> 00:23:25.759 That should move us to act. 00:23:26.579 --> 00:23:29.779 To tell people of the call of Jesus. 00:23:29.939 --> 00:23:32.879 To repent and believe the good news. 00:23:34.199 --> 00:23:39.359 Because conscious rebellion and sin against God will lead to God's judgment. 00:23:39.359 --> 00:23:43.479 I don't want anyone to suffer that judgment. 00:23:46.039 --> 00:23:49.059 Sin and disobedience are not to be played with. 00:23:49.859 --> 00:23:52.279 Nor are they to be trivialized. 00:23:53.719 --> 00:23:55.159 Because God is just. 00:23:56.279 --> 00:23:58.479 And therefore he must judge rightly. 00:23:58.859 --> 00:24:00.099 And sin must be punished. 00:24:01.899 --> 00:24:06.119 Eli's sons are punished for their sins and lack of religious leadership. 00:24:06.119 --> 00:24:10.379 Eli is punished because of his lack of household leadership. 00:24:11.639 --> 00:24:13.459 As the father of these men. 00:24:14.119 --> 00:24:17.359 Eli was the one responsible for bringing them up in the Lord. 00:24:17.739 --> 00:24:19.739 For teaching them the ways of God. 00:24:19.839 --> 00:24:23.059 And correcting them according to God's word. 00:24:24.799 --> 00:24:26.419 But that doesn't seem to have happened. 00:24:27.639 --> 00:24:29.919 Instead he's letting them live in their sin. 00:24:30.000 --> 00:24:32.719 And the one time he did try to call them out in chapter 2. 00:24:33.019 --> 00:24:33.799 They didn't listen. 00:24:33.799 --> 00:24:38.079 But his rebuke was almost half-hearted. 00:24:39.399 --> 00:24:40.940 Even though he is the father. 00:24:41.039 --> 00:24:44.180 The one with the authority and responsibility to act. 00:24:44.399 --> 00:24:45.680 He didn't follow it through. 00:24:47.000 --> 00:24:50.039 But instead let it continue as it was. 00:24:50.139 --> 00:24:53.659 He was knowingly letting sin live in his family. 00:24:53.660 --> 00:24:58.860 And so he wasn't living according to God's word. 00:24:59.259 --> 00:25:01.700 He was not instructing his family as he should. 00:25:01.740 --> 00:25:07.279 And he was allowing a mockery of the worship of God and the priesthood to continue. 00:25:09.820 --> 00:25:13.360 Parents play an important role in the lives of their children. 00:25:13.359 --> 00:25:20.500 And the parents bear a responsibility to bring up their children in the knowledge of the Lord. 00:25:20.619 --> 00:25:24.919 Parents teach your children about God and his word. 00:25:25.059 --> 00:25:26.179 Teach them about Jesus. 00:25:26.659 --> 00:25:29.179 Use Jesus name every day in your house. 00:25:29.180 --> 00:25:31.180 Instruct. 00:25:32.380 --> 00:25:32.779 Guide. 00:25:33.279 --> 00:25:35.299 Advise them according to God's word. 00:25:35.400 --> 00:25:39.400 And most importantly pray for them every single day. 00:25:39.560 --> 00:25:41.940 And pray with them every single day. 00:25:41.940 --> 00:25:46.460 If we don't have children. 00:25:47.340 --> 00:25:49.420 Pray for the children in our church family. 00:25:50.420 --> 00:25:52.820 Pray for the parents in our church family. 00:25:52.820 --> 00:25:55.519 Who are raising children in a world that is far from God. 00:25:58.039 --> 00:26:01.420 But I don't want you to walk away from this passage this evening. 00:26:01.580 --> 00:26:03.940 Thinking that if your children aren't Christians. 00:26:04.200 --> 00:26:05.660 That you've done something wrong. 00:26:06.200 --> 00:26:08.160 That is not what this passage is saying. 00:26:08.559 --> 00:26:11.539 You have not failed as a parent if your child is not a Christian. 00:26:11.940 --> 00:26:15.960 Eli's sons are judged for their own decisions. 00:26:16.620 --> 00:26:19.299 And they are responsible for their own actions. 00:26:20.519 --> 00:26:24.779 But Eli is being judged because he didn't correct them and let it continue. 00:26:26.580 --> 00:26:30.960 Each is being punished and held responsible for their own actions. 00:26:33.039 --> 00:26:34.400 And then we have Samuel. 00:26:35.019 --> 00:26:39.779 This 12 year old boy who has just received the word of the Lord. 00:26:40.600 --> 00:26:41.120 Marvelous. 00:26:41.940 --> 00:26:45.160 But now his responsibility is huge. 00:26:45.900 --> 00:26:47.019 Daunting almost. 00:26:47.620 --> 00:26:50.860 He needs to go to his boss and basically his mentor. 00:26:51.220 --> 00:26:53.420 And tell him that God's going to punish him and his sons. 00:26:56.019 --> 00:26:57.539 I wouldn't wish that on anybody. 00:27:00.039 --> 00:27:01.620 But God's word is true. 00:27:01.619 --> 00:27:02.619 Samuel is called in. 00:27:02.619 --> 00:27:05.799 And regardless of how comfortable the messenger feels about it. 00:27:05.839 --> 00:27:08.279 It must be proclaimed faithfully. 00:27:10.000 --> 00:27:11.639 Samuel is called in by Eli. 00:27:12.299 --> 00:27:15.500 And put under an oath to tell him what God has said. 00:27:16.359 --> 00:27:20.359 And Samuel conveys this message faithfully. 00:27:20.500 --> 00:27:21.579 Does not hide anything. 00:27:21.699 --> 00:27:22.939 He doesn't sugarcoat it. 00:27:23.179 --> 00:27:25.639 But tells Eli everything that the Lord had said. 00:27:25.640 --> 00:27:29.540 But Eli had heard this message before. 00:27:29.539 --> 00:27:34.500 And in verse 18 we see a declaration of who God is. 00:27:34.720 --> 00:27:38.059 And that God will do what is right in his own eyes. 00:27:38.059 --> 00:27:40.099 Now the question is. 00:27:40.220 --> 00:27:41.500 As I was studying this week. 00:27:41.500 --> 00:27:47.220 Does Eli say this in a submissive attitude to God's will. 00:27:47.220 --> 00:27:49.160 Because he's recognized who God is. 00:27:49.680 --> 00:27:51.700 And he says that God will do what is right. 00:27:51.740 --> 00:27:53.500 Because he is the right judge. 00:27:55.000 --> 00:27:59.019 Or does he say this in a shrug of the shoulder attitude of. 00:27:59.400 --> 00:27:59.460 Meh. 00:27:59.839 --> 00:28:00.440 So be it. 00:28:00.440 --> 00:28:03.720 We don't know. 00:28:04.180 --> 00:28:06.140 Commentators argue both perspectives. 00:28:06.720 --> 00:28:08.320 But regardless of which it is. 00:28:08.440 --> 00:28:10.200 God's punishment will be fulfilled. 00:28:11.640 --> 00:28:12.759 God has spoken. 00:28:13.059 --> 00:28:14.480 And it will come to pass. 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:18.320 And then in verses 19 to 21. 00:28:18.500 --> 00:28:21.380 We see that Samuel is recognized as a prophet. 00:28:21.840 --> 00:28:23.660 A mouthpiece of God. 00:28:24.080 --> 00:28:25.820 And all of his prophecies are fulfilled. 00:28:26.640 --> 00:28:29.720 God's word is coming back to Israel. 00:28:30.440 --> 00:28:32.580 They are listening once more. 00:28:33.539 --> 00:28:36.220 People are realizing that God is speaking. 00:28:36.440 --> 00:28:38.019 Changes are afoot. 00:28:38.799 --> 00:28:42.880 And the Lord's word will change the lives of these people as they listen. 00:28:45.259 --> 00:28:48.140 Are you listening to the word of the Lord? 00:28:49.460 --> 00:28:51.160 God's word is powerful. 00:28:52.180 --> 00:28:55.140 It is the living word that is applicable. 00:28:55.600 --> 00:28:58.720 And just as transformative and challenging for us today. 00:28:58.720 --> 00:29:00.740 As it was for Eli back then. 00:29:01.799 --> 00:29:03.180 God's word is active. 00:29:04.180 --> 00:29:05.380 It convicts. 00:29:05.440 --> 00:29:06.059 It guides. 00:29:06.259 --> 00:29:06.819 It teaches. 00:29:07.160 --> 00:29:08.200 And it rebukes. 00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:12.900 And the difficult question that I want to ask us all this evening. 00:29:13.319 --> 00:29:15.640 Is do we listen to the whole word of God? 00:29:16.440 --> 00:29:18.480 Do we listen to the whole of the Bible? 00:29:18.880 --> 00:29:21.079 Or do we just focus on the bits that we like? 00:29:21.079 --> 00:29:25.259 Are we selective readers? 00:29:26.419 --> 00:29:28.139 Are we selective hearers? 00:29:29.699 --> 00:29:33.299 God's word is the thing that should shape how we live for God. 00:29:33.879 --> 00:29:38.619 And that means thinking through the easy bits and the more difficult bits that we struggle with. 00:29:38.619 --> 00:29:43.519 Because we want to grasp everything that our creator has revealed to us. 00:29:43.519 --> 00:29:48.259 This means having a humble and submissive attitude. 00:29:49.319 --> 00:29:53.099 Humble because we need to accept that we are wrong and God is right. 00:29:55.099 --> 00:29:58.779 We need to be reminded of our dependence on God. 00:29:58.779 --> 00:30:04.339 And we need to be submissive because we need to come under the authority of his word. 00:30:05.619 --> 00:30:08.059 Even if the world would tell us something else. 00:30:08.139 --> 00:30:11.339 Even if our friends and family would tell us something else. 00:30:11.720 --> 00:30:14.200 God's word is our authority. 00:30:15.639 --> 00:30:17.960 God's word determines how we live our life. 00:30:19.660 --> 00:30:22.799 God has spoken to us through his written word. 00:30:23.299 --> 00:30:25.639 And through the living word. 00:30:25.640 --> 00:30:30.140 Hebrews chapter 1 verses 1 to 3 says this. 00:30:30.820 --> 00:30:34.600 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets. 00:30:34.800 --> 00:30:37.120 At many times and in various ways. 00:30:37.500 --> 00:30:39.100 But in these last days. 00:30:39.680 --> 00:30:41.520 He has spoken to us by his son. 00:30:42.460 --> 00:30:44.680 Whom he appointed heir of all things. 00:30:45.120 --> 00:30:47.740 And through whom also he made the universe. 00:30:49.380 --> 00:30:52.000 The son is the radiance of God's glory. 00:30:52.400 --> 00:30:55.000 And the exact representation of his being. 00:30:55.000 --> 00:30:59.099 Sustaining all things by his powerful word. 00:31:00.319 --> 00:31:03.400 And after he provided purification for sins. 00:31:03.559 --> 00:31:08.000 He sat down at the right hand of the majesty in heaven. 00:31:09.819 --> 00:31:13.119 In the past God spoke to his people through prophetic speeches. 00:31:13.539 --> 00:31:15.680 And visions delivered by prophets. 00:31:16.079 --> 00:31:18.619 People set apart as mouthpieces of God. 00:31:18.940 --> 00:31:21.799 Now God has spoken to us through his very own son. 00:31:21.960 --> 00:31:23.119 God in the flesh. 00:31:23.119 --> 00:31:26.319 The one who is over all things. 00:31:26.319 --> 00:31:28.719 And through whom all things were made. 00:31:29.439 --> 00:31:31.779 He is the living word. 00:31:33.619 --> 00:31:37.239 And Jesus shows us and embodies the glory of the father. 00:31:37.979 --> 00:31:41.079 God's divine presence and splendor. 00:31:41.500 --> 00:31:45.179 And he sustains all thing by the power of his word. 00:31:45.180 --> 00:31:49.220 And Jesus being the very living word of God. 00:31:49.320 --> 00:31:51.900 God himself died on the cross. 00:31:51.980 --> 00:31:54.220 Making purification for sins possible. 00:31:54.940 --> 00:31:58.360 And he is now seated at the right hand of the father. 00:31:58.799 --> 00:31:59.320 Majesty. 00:32:00.200 --> 00:32:01.799 As Hebrews describes him. 00:32:02.220 --> 00:32:02.799 In heaven. 00:32:02.799 --> 00:32:06.659 The Bible is God's word. 00:32:07.440 --> 00:32:10.139 In it we have a revelation of who God is. 00:32:10.500 --> 00:32:12.839 Written down for us to see and read. 00:32:13.899 --> 00:32:16.799 In it we have the historical accounts of the life. 00:32:17.579 --> 00:32:19.819 Teaching death and resurrection of Jesus. 00:32:20.000 --> 00:32:22.960 And his call in the beginning of Mark's gospel. 00:32:23.119 --> 00:32:26.559 For people to repent and believe the good news. 00:32:26.879 --> 00:32:28.079 God's word is active. 00:32:29.180 --> 00:32:30.180 Will you listen to it? 00:32:30.180 --> 00:32:32.960 Will you submit to it? 00:32:33.019 --> 00:32:36.700 And will you glorify God as creator and sustainer of this world? 00:32:37.060 --> 00:32:41.580 The one who lovingly forgives a rebellious people like you and like me. 00:32:42.880 --> 00:32:46.180 The God who patiently calls us back to himself. 00:32:46.259 --> 00:32:48.100 Regardless of our transgressions. 00:32:49.400 --> 00:32:51.980 God is gracious and loving. 00:32:52.700 --> 00:32:53.960 God is revealed. 00:32:54.680 --> 00:32:55.980 And God is glorious. 00:32:55.980 --> 00:33:00.680 Are you listening to the word of the Lord? 00:33:02.039 --> 00:33:05.039 We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. 00:33:06.059 --> 00:33:08.019 Listening is of vital importance. 00:33:08.160 --> 00:33:09.559 And listening to the word of God. 00:33:09.680 --> 00:33:12.339 Is not like just listening to another person speak. 00:33:14.039 --> 00:33:16.000 But we are listening to God himself. 00:33:17.059 --> 00:33:19.000 And I pray that each of us this evening. 00:33:19.000 --> 00:33:21.480 Will be able to say like Peter did. 00:33:21.480 --> 00:33:23.860 When Jesus said to his disciples. 00:33:24.160 --> 00:33:25.360 Will you desert me too? 00:33:26.620 --> 00:33:28.259 Can we say like Peter. 00:33:28.500 --> 00:33:30.200 Where Lord shall we go? 00:33:31.079 --> 00:33:35.500 You alone have the words of eternal life. 00:33:38.079 --> 00:33:40.420 The word of the Lord is not always easy. 00:33:41.420 --> 00:33:43.059 But will we listen to. 00:33:43.579 --> 00:33:45.059 And submit to it. 00:33:46.220 --> 00:33:46.940 Let's pray. 00:33:46.940 --> 00:33:47.000 Let's pray. 00:33:47.000 --> 00:33:53.039 Eternal God and loving heavenly father. 00:33:54.079 --> 00:33:56.920 We thank you that you have not left us in the dark. 00:33:57.579 --> 00:34:01.059 That you have not left us in this world to our own devices. 00:34:01.059 --> 00:34:03.420 But that you have revealed yourself to us. 00:34:03.900 --> 00:34:04.640 Through your son. 00:34:05.099 --> 00:34:06.119 And through your word. 00:34:08.719 --> 00:34:09.719 Father we pray. 00:34:10.039 --> 00:34:11.380 That as we read your word. 00:34:11.440 --> 00:34:12.980 In our own personal lives. 00:34:13.199 --> 00:34:14.820 As we read it here in church. 00:34:14.820 --> 00:34:17.380 As we read it in various meetings of this church. 00:34:17.519 --> 00:34:19.559 Father I pray that your word would convict. 00:34:20.460 --> 00:34:22.019 That your word would rebuke. 00:34:22.240 --> 00:34:23.340 That it would challenge. 00:34:23.460 --> 00:34:24.320 That it would transform. 00:34:24.800 --> 00:34:27.000 And that it would lead us all to live lives. 00:34:27.039 --> 00:34:29.100 Which glorify you more and more. 00:34:29.460 --> 00:34:31.019 Because that is what you deserve. 00:34:34.539 --> 00:34:36.200 Father we praise you this evening. 00:34:37.120 --> 00:34:38.840 And we thank you for your word. 00:34:38.960 --> 00:34:40.740 Help us listen to it. 00:34:42.039 --> 00:34:43.059 In Jesus name. 00:34:43.800 --> 00:34:44.140 Amen. 00:34:44.820 --> 00:34:45.640 Amen. 00:34:45.700 --> 00:34:46.600 Amen. 00:34:46.660 --> 00:34:47.600 Amen. 00:34:47.600 --> 00:34:48.120 Amen. 00:34:48.120 --> 00:34:48.200 Amen. 00:34:48.240 --> 00:34:48.720 Amen. 00:34:48.720 --> 00:34:48.760 In Jesus' name. 00:34:48.820 --> 00:34:49.300 Amen. 00:34:49.300 --> 00:34:53.160 Amen. 00:34:54.200 --> 00:34:55.100 Amen. 00:34:55.220 --> 00:34:55.640 Amen. 00:34:59.140 --> 00:34:59.700 Amen. 00:34:59.700 --> 00:35:02.120 Amen. 00:35:02.120 --> 00:35:02.340 Amen. 00:35:02.340 --> 00:35:03.519 Amen. 00:35:03.519 --> 00:35:04.519 Amen. 00:35:05.640 --> 00:35:05.980 Amen. 00:35:05.980 --> 00:35:06.720 Amen. 00:35:06.740 --> 00:35:07.539 Amen. 00:35:07.539 --> 00:35:08.160 Amen. 00:35:08.160 --> 00:35:09.100 Amen. 00:35:09.160 --> 00:35:09.340 Amen. 00:35:10.080 --> 00:35:10.240 Amen. 00:35:10.240 --> 00:35:10.500 Amen. 00:35:10.500 --> 00:35:11.660 Amen. 00:35:11.660 --> 00:35:12.660 Amen. 00:35:12.660 --> 00:35:14.600 Amen.