Pastor's note: this is an outline form for my sermon. The Holy Spirit led me from my notes on what to say and how to say it.
Introduction
Three call stories: boy Samuel and Philip and Nathaniel (proceeded by Andrew and Peter – John 1:35-42).
Background to Samuel story Mother Hannah (husband Elkanah) was barren and prayed to the Lord Prayed at Shiloh where Eli was the chief priest; asked for a son and promised to give him back to the Lord, to serve the Lord.
Prayers answered; took Samuel to Eli after baby was weaned.
Call of Samuel
Three times, thought it was Eli.
When I read the story about the boy Samuel being called by God I can’t help but think about the old Verizon television commercial. You probably also remember the commercial, the one where the guy walks around speaking into his cell phone asking, “Can you here me now?” We go through life and God says the same thing to us.
Eli finally realized what was going on; “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.”
Who do you identify with?
Most often we identify with Samuel. Why?
Hard to hear the voice of God in the surrounding noise of the world.
Often confused. Was it God calling? My imagination.
My idea or God’s idea?
Is it about God or about me?
Important point: even if confused, we must remain open and willing to respond. Samuel responded again and again. To hear words , we need to be oprn to them.
What about Eli? Do you relate to him?
Helps Samuel understand what is happening.
Uses his wisdom of experience to counsel Samuel.
Eli teaches Samuel how to respond.
How do we teach others (especially the younger generation) to hear and respond to the Word?
Must teach that they are made by God, for God.
Must support, endorse, and guide.
Can expect to be awakened at any hour by God’s voice. Why is it that God seems to call at the least opportune time? Is it really inopportune or just an inconvenience for me? Is it inopportune or do we just don’t like what we are hearing?
Eli shows us acceptance. Samuel heard God’s words against Eli and Eli’s family. Samuel did not want to be the bearer of bad news. Eli insists on hearing what God had to say.
Instead of saying “you’re mistaken” Eli reflects on what he was also told in chapter 2. Often when we hear something we don’t want to hear, we might deny or doubt that it is really is the Word of God. Eli says, “He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes” (1 Sam. 3:18b).
We also learn sometimes when we speak God’s truth it can be hard because we are afraid what people might think or feel. Trust God and none of our words will fall to the ground.
Gospel calls are different
No doubt/immediate
John the Baptist points Jesus out.
Andrew and another follow Jesus; “Come and see” and they do. Spend time together.
Andrew goes to his brother Simon Peter.
Jesus finds Philip – “Follow me.”
Philip goes to Nathaniel. Nathaniel doubts – “What good can from Nazareth?” Philip says to him “Come and see.”
Gospel calls
Little info given: no promise, no persuasion, no benefits. If we had job interview like this (that is what is going in here) and got no answers would we sign up?
What do all stories say to us this morning?
Both ( Old Testament and New Testament) tell us something very important: discipleship is about inviting.
God invites Samuel
Eli encouraging/inviting Samuel to be open to God’s word
John the Baptist encouraging/inviting Andrew to follow Jesus
Jesus invites Andrew and Andrew invites Simon Peter
Jesus invites Philip and Philip invites Nathaniel
Jesus then invites Nathaniel
Big questions facing us:Will we continue to accept Christ’s invitation to ministry?How do we invite others to join the journey?
