Third Time's a Charm

By Alessandra Velsor

“A third time the Lord called, ‘Samuel!’ And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, ‘Here I am; you called me.’ Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, ‘Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”’ So Samuel went and lay down in his place.”—1 Samuel 3:8–9 (NIV)

Have you ever heard “good things come in threes?” This old adage implies that anything that comes in threes is an effective tool for readers because patterns stick better in our minds. For instance, we’re created with mind, body, and spirit through birth, life, and death by our Creator God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For film geeks, there’s the Star Wars trilogies and the Lord of the Rings trilogy with stories that contain a beginning, middle, and end. For us Miami Heat fans, we still remember the good old days of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh.

The Bible points out Samuel’s service unto the Lord three times (1 Samuel 2:11, 2:18, and 3:1). Consequently, it takes three times for God to call on Samuel for Eli to realize God’s calling on the twelve-year-old boy.

My oldest is about to turn ten, and he’s had a similar exposure to ministry because of our work at church. We’ve taught him to do many of the behind-the-scenes, age-appropriate, and less-glorified tasks that many people aren’t as eager to sign up for such as helping out at the church restaurant, setting up tables and chairs for events, and custodial work. He accepted Jesus when he was four, got baptized at eight, and is continually growing in his faith. I do credit our involvement in our church for my son’s choice to follow Jesus.

In the same way, Hannah entrusted Samuel to a priest and, although he had been shadowing Eli as a young boy, Samuel hadn’t heard God’s voice. This is a sobering reminder for those who stay busy in ministry: Just because you do so much in the name of Jesus doesn’t mean your relationship with Jesus is where it needs to be (Matthew 7:21–23).The name of God is glorified through our service because it’s literally music to His ears and is a form of worship, but when our actions take priority over our time of devotion with Jesus (Luke 10:41–42), we’ll forget His voice.

May we follow Samuel’s example who persistently responded to the call, even if it takes us three times to get it! Also notice how it took Eli three times to understand what God was doing—and he’s the old and wise priest! He sent Samuel back to bed TWICE! The boy got up a third time, which highlights Samuel’s faithful obedience to do what’s right. During this period, recognizing God’s voice was rare because God’s people had hardened hearts and there was corruption within the priesthood. But that didn’t stop God from doing His work through a young boy and his mentor.

Samuel could have ignored the call and gone back to bed like Eli told him to. Today’s message isn’t just for new believers who are hungry to learn more about their God like Samuel. It’s also for those who carry with them the knowledge of the Word of God and are equipped with discernment from the Holy Spirit to help shepherd the Samuels of this world.

Here's another reminder from Paul and Timothy, another mentor and his young student:“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2 NLT).

Pause: Have you identified your Samuel? How about your Eli? How can you be guiding someone else to be attentive to the voice of God? How can you follow the wisdom of an elder?

Practice: Do nothing. Sit in the presence of Jesus and hear His voice today.

Pray: Father, I’m sorry for the times I’ve become too busy to notice Your presence in my life. I pray you slow down my pace today so I can notice You more. Help me be more attentive to Your voice so I can respond in an instant, and guide me as I grow closer to my faith in You. Thank You for Your patience with me; teach me Your ways!Amen.