Second Sunday after Epiphany: Old Testament, 1 Samuel 3:1-10               

1 Samuel 3:1-10 

At various times during our Lord’s earthly ministry He offers this counsel, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” We find similar words of direction toward the truth in the seven letters written to the churches of Asia Minor in the Revelation of John. It is always a good thing to be moved in the direction of God’s Word. Even dear old Dr. Mitchell at the seminary used to quip, “Never let a day go by where you are not given to the Word of God.” Oh, how I wish I was better at heeding that counsel of some thirty-plus years ago. Onward.

Our reading from the Old Testament this week highlights the Word of the Lord being “introduced” to the boy Samuel who was under the care of old Eli the priest at Shiloh. Over the years Eli had become accustomed to hearing the word of the Lord and for Samuel’s future it would be something to which he would also become attuned. But in this exchange it becomes clear to Eli that God is opening that door to little Samuel’s mind and heart and Eli knows it takes discernment to hear the Lord rightly.

Today, we do not live in such an age of specific revelation. Historically, the church has agreed that direct revelation from our Lord ceased with the death of the last, living apostle. God guides and leads His children today, but He does not speak new words for the whole church and any purported “revelation” given today would need to fit that bill. It doesn’t. That’s stuff for further discussion. God’s revelation to His people is always just that: to His people. Not for groups, congregations, or regions. But for all. So today we have His written revelation. I think you will find, without fail, that where revelation from God is claimed today there is confusion, lack of stability, and false teaching.

Martin Luther once quipped, “If you would hear the voice of God, read Holy Scripture.” That, too, is good counsel. Hearts and minds, like young Samuel’s, given to what is known to be “the Word of God,” accepted and tested by the saints of all ages, is that to which today we must give our ears. Then, and only then, are we standing upon ground that never gives way under our feet. The Word of the Lord endures forever.