The PASSION Blog

I love the calling of Samuel from the Old Testament book 1 Samuel chapter 3.

As we read the story we see that three times the Lord spoke to Samuel. Each time Samuel got up and ran to Eli his master and asked what he wanted. The third time Eli realised it was God speaking to Samuel and told him to go back and what to say.

Samuel went back to his bed. Then the Bible tells us that the Lord came and stood there with Samuel. I have read this passage many times, but it was only recently that I realised that God actually came and stood there with Samuel.

On reflecting on this I found that I had to look back and see what happened before God came and stood with Samuel in the flesh. Several things jumped out.

1. Samuel was dedicated to the Lord before his birth

Hannah his mother could not have kids, but she prayed and said she would commit any child to God’s service. God answered her prayer.

2. He lived in the Temple from his early days

The preceding chapters tell us that after he was weaned he was taken to live with Eli the Priest.

3. He served Eli faithfully

We see that he served in the Temple from a young age. It doesn’t say too much of what he did, but it would probably be the things he was able to do and then progressed in importance as time went by. When God spoke we see that he ran to Eli to serve him.

4. He slept near the Ark

Verse three tells us that Samuel slept near the Ark of the Covenant. This is where God’s presence dwelt among his people. If God was going to speak or be present, this is where it would happen. Samuel was right there next to it.

I found these things really interesting. That he was dedicated to God, serving him faithfully from a young age and was right near God’s presence when He came to him.

How does this apply to us?

Perhaps if you are wanting to hear from God you could follow Samuel’s lead. Dedicate yourself afresh, serve with all of your heart and get into God’s presence daily.

I just hope and pray that when God does speak to you, that you will respond like Samuel and say, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening”.

Several years ago I saw the film Saving Private Ryan. It was about a mother who lost all her sons but one in World War Two. But there was a problem; the last remaining son was fighting in Normandy and he was only a Private. The battles in and around the Normandy landings, as history tells us, were among the most furious and costly in terms of human life and equipment. The chances were the last remaining son would not survive.

This came to the attention of the brass of the US army who sent in a section of soldiers to find him and bring him out so he might live. The soldiers went through many battles, problems and suffering trying to find and bring Private Ryan out of the killing fields alive. The soldiers fulfilled their mission and Private Ryan came out alive, but most of the soldiers paid in the sacrifice of their own lives for Private Ryan to live.

When I think about this movie I can’t help but remember the greatest sacrifice in the history of the world. The sacrifice of God’s own Son - Jesus Christ. Jesus, during his life, went through many problems; suffered; and was persecuted much. He lived a life without sin. In the end He died a horrible, horrible death - crucified and nailed to a Roman Cross.

The reason why and the love behind the sacrifice we read in John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” The reason why Jesus died was to pay the price for our sin and to give us life, not just life now, but eternal life.

If you would like to experience more of the love of Jesus Christ in your life, why not ask Him into your life today. You can do this by praying this short prayer -

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you that You loved me so much, that You came and died on the cross for my sin. Thank you that You came to give me eternal life by Your sacrifice. I ask You to forgive my sins that I have committed and I turn from them right now. I ask You to come into my life and be with me as my Lord and Savior. Help me to live for You.
Amen.

Not too long ago my in-laws lost their much loved dog Rollie. He got out of his yard and then ran down to the main road and got hit by a car. Thankfully he was not injured too badly, but unfortunately he ran off and was lost.

They put up posters at all the local shops and on street poles with a contact number. Every few days they would receive a call from different people saying they saw him here or there, but he ran from them and they couldn’t catch him. These calls all headed in a direction that were further and further away from his home.

One Thursday night they got a confirmed call that he was near his local service station in some bush land. Needless to say everyone rushed in the pitch black with torches to bring him home. They searched and searched and searched, but only caught glimpses in the darkness.

The next morning several of us went up there and to have another go. I decided to sit and pray and to ask God where he was, while a family friend searched with his the dog’s brother Mack. Before long we sighted Rollie. Rollie saw his “brother” Mack and ran towards him and with a quick grab he was safely picked up and placed in a waiting car. A quick phone call was made to his family. It was one of tears of joy as the lost family member had been reunited.

This experience reminds me of my own story. As a child I had an interest in God from Scripture classes at school, but I never really made a commitment to Him. For many years I strayed through the world alone - I was suffering and lost heading away from home.

All the time I strayed, God was looking out for me and sending people out into the darkness to find me. Friends and workmates all tried to sway me to head in God’s direction. I didn’t want a bar of it. But God never gave up!

On Saturday the 21st of July 1989 I was sitting on my bed reading a pamphlet that explained God’s love for me. This simple pamphlet called “A journey into life” told me of God’s love for me and that I strayed from Him. It also told me that I need to come home. At 7.10pm while sitting on my bed I gave my life to Jesus Christ and since then He has been my constant companion. Like Rollie I was reunited with someone who loved me and wanted to take care of me.

How about you? Have you been wandering through this life alone? Are you feeling lost and that you are moving further and further away from “home”? Why not turn to God today. You can do this by visiting this page

Someone asked me how to become a Christian recently. Because of this I thought there might be others out there who would like to know also.

I remember a number of years ago I saw a bumper sticker on a car that said, “Christians are not perfect, just forgiven”. This is a simple statement, but one that is very true.

I was reminded about this sticker on the weekend as I was watching a show on the ABC about Jimmy Carter and his time just before he became President of the United States. For those who don’t know Jimmy Carter was a committed Christian and he tried to live his life in a way that reflected his faith.

On the show it spoke about Jimmy doing an interview with a magazine and he was trying to explain his faith and how at times he struggled to do the right thing. He spoke of how he had lusted after women in his mind at times and how he had committed adultery in his heart. The magazine jumped on this comment and printed it.

Needless to say his poll results fell when people read this and people wondered if he could be trusted. The question arose that if he commits adultery in his heart what will happen when he is put in the situation in real life? History tells us that the enough people voted for Jimmy Carter and he did become President of the United States. At times he even enjoyed a 75% approval rating by the American people.

So would I trust a man who says he commits adultery in his heart? The answer for me is a resounding yes if the rest of his life reflects his faith in God. I believe that Jimmy Carter understood the struggle it is to live the Christian life. He realised that while we profess a faith in God and have a high set of personal standards to live up to, but sometimes we all fall short. After all, that is why Jesus had to die to pay the price for our sins.

This brings me back to the bumper sticker, “Christians are not perfect, just forgiven”.

Here’s a couple of verses from the Bible that are worth meditating and praying on…

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13)

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. (1 John 1:8-10)

I was reading through the first few chapters of Jeremiah the other morning. One thing that really jumped out at me was Jeremiah’s call from God to be a prophet. God had spoken directly to him and said this is who you are and this is what I want you to do.

This is what God said in verse five of chapter one. “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Now that is a pretty big statement! Before he was born God chose him to a great prophet to the world. I can relate to Jeremiah’s response is verse six as I would feel pretty much the same. “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”

When God speaks to us about doing something big, our first reaction might be one of fear and unworthiness. We might say I can’t do that or surely not me Lord. That person over there has more talent and skill…maybe they would be better Lord. To be honest this is how I reacted when God spoke to me about PASSION and some of the things that I was going to do!

If we look at what happens next we see that God reassures Jeremiah and prepares him for his work in verses seven to nine. “The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth!”

The reality is that if God has called us to big things, He is not going to leave us alone to do it in our own strength. He is going to be with us and protect us and He is going to give us the right words at the right time…just like He did with Jeremiah all those years ago.

The next time you are feeling nervous or unsure of what God has called you to do. Try to remember the words of Joshua chapter one verse nine. “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”