Transitions: What? (1 Samuel 3:1-11) // June 3, 2018

Transitions: What? (1 Samuel 3:1-11) // June 3, 2018

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1 Samuel 3:1-1 (Common English Bible)

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.

2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; 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. 4 Then the Lord called, “Samuel! 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 The Lord called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up 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 The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up 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 is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 11 Then the Lord said to Samuel, “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle.

Summary: Life often brings unexpected events that bring new questions, challenges and opportunities. It can be hard to deal with change. In our Transitions worship series, we will explore how change can be difficult to manage, by faith, we trust that God will see us through.

When a startling life change occurs, often times our first question is, “What?” “What?” expresses our initial shock, fear, disbelief, or awe in the face of change and transition. When Samuel first hears God’s voice, he doesn’t recognize it and his initial reaction is the equivalent of a “What?!?!”

Somewhere, in every “What?,” is a prayer to get greater clarity and guidance from God, even if we fear we won’t like what clarity will bring. Yet, by asking God “What?,” we need assurance that no matter what is happening, God is with us.

As Birmingham, England born and Atlanta, GA based soul artist Julie Dexter sings:

The struggle is supposed to make us stronger
and the knowledge that we gain will make us wiser…

Reflection Questions:

  1. What life changes have caught you off guard?
  2. What direction did you receive to make it through that change?
  3. What is God teaching you about how to deal with change and transition?

Sermon References:

  1. The Como Mamas, “Old Landmark” (song)
  2. The Miles Davis Story (documentary trailer)
  3. Donald Rumsfeld, “Known knowns…known unknowns…and unknown unknowns.” (press conference)
  4. Rudy Giuliani, “Trump probably does have the power to pardon himself.” (interview)