Uncomfortable Messages From God | 1 Samuel 3:11-14

What do you do when God speaks and says something you don't like?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 3. I've titled this chapter "Into Our Silence God Speaks." Today, I am reading verses 11-14, it reads:

Then the Lord said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.” — 1 Samuel 3:11-14

Samuel is not just receiving any communication but direct communication from God. Let that sink in. Samuel is hearing the voice of the Lord in the house of the Lord from the Lord Himself—inspiring and humbling.

Four Realities About God's Voice To Man

But I want to pause briefly and state four realities about this experience. First, every believer, at some point, wishes they could have an experience like this with God. Second, some think they are hearing God's voice when they are not. Third, others say they have heard God's voice and use it to coerce or control others. Fourth, and this is the vital point. You can hear from God and speak to God all the time. We hear from God in his Word. We are directed by God by his Spirit. We hear from God through other believers who are also in God's Word and led by the Spirit. We can speak with God in prayer, and God gives divine direction through events around us. You can have a very lively, vibrant, real communication with God all the time. This is one of the benefits of the Cross: Jesus made it possible for us all to access God at any time and anywhere (Eph. 3:11-12, Luke 23:44-47, John 14:6-7).

When God Speaks, And You Don't Like It

The startling issue of this communication from God is that it was a divine message with a damning message. God told young Samuel that his mentor, the High Priest of Israel, and his family would no longer have their sins atoned. That's eternal damnation by God. The message is "You are going to Hell."

So, let me make an observation: God speaks a lot, but we don't listen. God's Word is His spoken word. If you want to hear from God, all you have to do is read His Word. In His Word, God has things to say about everything, but especially about you—your life, sin, vocation, family, finances, marriage, identity, and holiness.

But here's the problem: When we read God's Word and hear his message, we don't like what he says because God demands a change. He is Holy, and we are not. This means that his message to us is not always positive and predictive but frequently painful because God demands change.

By chapter three, two men—Eli and Samuel—had heard from God. Eli and his sons were given plenty of time to hear and change. They didn't, so they were damned. But, now it's Samuel's turn to hear from the Lord. Will he embrace the discomfort and deliver the message, or not?

We will see...

But what about you? Do you want to hear from the Lord? If so, gird up your loins. Embrace the discomfort. Do what God says. This is what it is like for a fallen creature to hear from the Creator of all Humanity.

God, help us be courageous today. Please speak to us, and may we hear your truth, embrace the discomfort, and do what you demand. Amen.

#GodsVoice, #DivineCall, #CourageousObedience

Ask This: How can we discern between our own desires and God's voice when faced with challenging decisions or messages? In what areas of our lives are we resisting God's call for change, and how can we cultivate a willingness to embrace discomfort and obedience? Do This:

Embrace the discomfort and do what God says.

Pray This:

Lord, grant me the courage to listen attentively to your voice, even when it challenges me to change. Help me embrace discomfort and walk in obedience, trusting in your wisdom and guidance. Amen.

Play This:

The Truth.