Deliver the Message

1 Samuel 3:15-18

Samuel is afraid to tell Eli God’s revelation – partly from awe at the divine word which formed the content of the revelation, partly on account of the dreadful significance it had for Eli, partly because of the sorrow which, in his reverence and piety towards Eli, he could not rid himself. Samuel had a dilemma, a conundrum of sorts. When Eli calls, he could hide or pretend he didn’t hear him, but that would be blatant disobedience to the Lord. However, he knew the seriousness and soberness of the message he was about to bring to Eli, and the devastating effect that it would have on him. He must do the right thing and Eli’s persistence in wanting to know enables that to occur. How would you have reacted? 

1. Was Samuel successful with his first assignment from God? How do you normally view something as successful?

2. In what ways does God’s standard for success differ from mans?

Challenge: Re-read the section of scripture above and reflect on the following question: How did Eli receive the message from Samuel? How do you think you would have responded? With humility and grace? Why or why not?