He Speaks, I Respond

“Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down; and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak Lord; for Thy servant heareth.”   (1 Samuel 3:9)

God has spoken.  God is speaking.  The big question is: Who is listening?  Samuel was not accustomed to hearing God’s audible, personal voice.  And perhaps Eli was not either.  But when God persisted in calling the lad, and Samuel repeatedly reported this to the aged priest, the priest ” perceived that the Lord had called the child.”   (v. 8)

Then came the beautiful words which Eli placed in the mouth of the child, if once more the Lord should call him by name:  ” Speak, Lord; for Thy servant heareth.”

The Lord has spoken to Eli by His prophets, warning him of the consequences of indulgence toward his wayward sons.  Because he indulged them even in high office, they had brought shame upon Eli, Israel, the tabernacle, the priesthood, and upon Jehovah.  God had spoken.  Eli had not responded.  He heard with his ear, but no response from his heart nerved his will to do his duty to God and to Israel.

” Speak, Lord; for Thy servant heareth.”   The child, Samuel, heard with his heart and his ear.  He responded to the Lord in obedience.  Shall we not search the halls of memory, of conscience, asking the Holy Spirit to give us Samuel’s ear – the hearing responding ear and heart?

Hearing and Believing

” Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”   (John 5:24)

Many who heard Jesus’ words both on this occasion and many others, received no benefit from His words.  To others, the same words brought the beginning of eternal life – heaven began for them, then and there.  The difference is that some heard and believed.  Some only heard.  ” The way in which I hear God, the quality of my hearing, will be indicated in my response.”   (see James 2:14-26)

” Faith is trusting God’believing that He loves us and knows best what is for our good.  Thus, instead of our own, it leads us to choose His way.  In place of our ignorance, it accepts His wisdom; in place of our weakness, His strength; in place of our sinfulness, His righteousness.  Our lives, ourselves, are already His; faith acknowledges His ownership and accepts its blessing.  Truth, uprightness, purity, have been pointed out as secrets of life’s success.  It is faith that puts us in possession of these principles.”   Ed., p. 253.

For further study, read Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 575-580.

” My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, ad they follow Me; and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.”   (John 10: 27, 28)

” I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.  As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.”   (John 10:14, 15)

How close and intimate and involved is the relationship between the Good Shepherd and His sheep!  Jesus parallels that closeness with the closeness between Himself and His Father.

God is love and whoso dwelleth in God dwelleth in love.  All who have indeed become acquainted, by experimental knowledge, with the love and tender compassion of our Heavenly Father will impart light and joy wherever they may be.  Their presence and influence will be to their associates as the fragrance of sweet flowers, because they are linked to God and heaven, and the purity and exalted loveliness of heaven are communicated through them to all that are brought within their influence.”   MYP, p. 363.

” To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice; and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.  And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.”   (John 10: 3, 4)

Note that the Eastern shepherd moved out ahead of his few sheep.  They followed him.  What a contrast to the dog-assisted herdsman who drive large flocks of sheep ahead of themselves today.  The life of the shepherd was governed by the needs of his sheep.  He lived their life.  Their every need was his to fulfill.

Is our response to God’s word so childlike (so sheep-like) that we are prepared to follow His leading, no matter how narrow or how steep the path He chooses for us?

” It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him.  They behold the Saviour’s matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary’s cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul.  Love awakens in the heart of the beholders.  They hear His voice, and they follow Him.  DA, p. 480.

For further study, read Desire of Ages, pp. 480-484.

” But what think ye?  A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard.  He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.  And he came to the second, and said likewise.  And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.”   (Matt. 21:28-30).

These two sons are so human, so much like us – especially the one who said, ” I go, sir, and went not.”   Apparently it is not what we say but what we do that counts.  Thank God, we can always change our minds and do what is right.  But we must not leave it until too late.  It may be better late than never, but it is always better never late.

” Counsel from the apostle James, ” But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgotteth what manner of man he was.  But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”   (James 1: 22-25)

” The most eloquent sermon that can be preached upon the law of Ten Commandments is to do them…

” In order to gain a proper knowledge of ourselves, it is necessary to look into the mirror, and there discovering our own defects, avail ourselves of the blood of Christ, the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness, in which we may wash our robes of character and remove the stains of sin.  But many refuse to see their errors and correct them; they do not want a true knowledge of themselves.”   Test. Vol. 4, p. 58, 59.

” God requires that all of us should be self-sacrificing workers.  Every part of the truth has a practical application to our daily lives.  Blessed are they that hear the word of the Lord and keep it.  Hearing is not enough; we must act, we must do.  It is in doing of the commandments that there is great reward.  Those who give practical demonstrations of their benevolence by their sympathy and compassionate acts toward the poor, the suffering, and the unfortunate, not only relieve the sufferers, but contribute largely to their own happiness and are in the way of securing health of soul and body.  Isaiah has thus plainly described the work that God will accept and bless His people in doing.”   Test. Vol. 4, p. 59, 60.

” More than a promise is needed”The history of Israel as presented in this parable should be studied by all who would practice the teachings of Christ.  The vineyard represents the church.  The two sons are the two classes of men and women in the world.  The Lord calls every member of His church to work in His vineyard.  We are to understand our relation to Christ.  Christ must abide in our hearts that we may keep before us pure principles, high incentives to moral rectitude.  Our work is not merely to promise, but to do.  Honesty and integrity must bind us up with God, to fulfill His word to the letter.  Let those who hear the message God sends today beware, lest they follow the example of the self-exalted Jews.  God does not propose to remove from our path everything that creates question or doubt in regard to the working of His servants.  He gives ground for faith sufficient to convince the candid, sincere mind; but more evidence than this will never change the inward determination to resist light.”   (MS 127, 1899)

For further study, read, The Desire of Ages, pp. 595, 596.

” And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?  And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good?  There is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.  He saith unto him, Which?  Jesus said, thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness.  Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up:  What lack I yet?  Jesus said unto him, if thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.  But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.”   (Matt. 19: 16-22)

A rich young man heard the words of Jesus and watched Him in His ministry.  His heart was touched.  He had heard, he had believed (in a measure).  Now he wanted to follow.  He felt that he had been doing right – but this was not enough.

Under the questioning of Jesus, this rich young ruler felt sure that he was doing all that could legitimately be required of him.  ” All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?”   (v. 20)

It is perhaps commendable that the young man felt some kind of lack which Jesus could fill, and yet he could hardly admit any defect in himself.  Jesus had put His finger on the plague spot in this man’s character in asking him to put what he had heard God say above every other consideration.  In the person of the poor, he was asked to make God supreme, to do all that God asked – without reservation.

The choice is ours – ” Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”   (1Tim. 6: 17-19)

” But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”   (1 John 3:17)

” Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come and follow me.  But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.”   (Matt. 19:21-22)

” Christ’s words were verily to the ruler the invitation: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua 24:15  The choice was left with him.  Jesus was yearning for his conversion.  He had shown him the plague spot in his character, and with what deep interest He watched the issue as the young man weighed the question!  If he decided to follow Christ, he must obey His words in everything.  He must turn from his ambitious projects…

” He wanted the heavenly treasure, but he wanted also the temporal advantages his riches would bring him.  He was sorry that such conditions existed; he desired eternal life; but he was not willing to make the sacrifice.  The cost of eternal life seemed too great, and he went away sorrowful; “for he had great possessions.”

” His claim that he had kept the law of God was a deception.  He showed that riches were his idol.  He could not keep the commandments of God while the world was first in his affections.  He loved the gifts of God more than he loved the Giver.  Christ had offered the young man fellowship with Himself.  “Follow me,” He said.  But the Saviour was not so much to him as his own name among men or his possessions.  To give up his earthly treasure, that was seen, for the heavenly treasure, that was unseen, was too great a risk.  He refused the offer of eternal life, and went away, and ever after the world was to receive his worship.  Thousands are passing through this ordeal, weighing Christ against the world; and many choose the world.  Like the young ruler, they turn from the Saviour, saying in their hearts, I will not have this Man as my leader.”   (DA 520-523)

” The basis of all giving” Matthew 10:8, last part.” ” Freely ye have received, freely give.”   The lesson is no less needed in the world today than when it fell from the lips of Jesus.  Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make fragrant the character.  Many who prophecy His name have lost sight of the fact that Christians are to present Christ.  Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighbourhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not Christians.”   DA, p. 504.

” To those who, like the young ruler, are in high positions of trust and have great possessions, it may seem too great a sacrifice to give up all in order to follow Christ.  But this is the rule of conduct for all who would become His disciples.  Nothing short of obedience can be accepted.  Self-surrender is the substance of the teachings of Christ.  Often it is presented and enjoined in language that seems authoritative, because there is no other way to save man than to cut away those things which, if entertained, will demoralize the whole being.”   DA, p. 523.

For further study, read Christ’s Object Lessons, ” The Reward of Grace,” pp. 390-393.

” If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”   (John 15:7)  Note:  That the branches are not commanded to bear fruit.  They are urged to ” abide” .  The vine and the Father – the Husbandman (John 15:1, 2)  will provide the life and care for the fruitfulness.

” This spiritual relation (of abiding in Christ) can be established only by the exercise of personal faith.  This faith must express on our part supreme preference, perfect reliance, entire consecration.  Our will must be wholly yielded to the divine will, our feelings, desires, interests, and honour identified with the prosperity of Christ’s kingdom and the honour of His cause; we constantly receiving grace from Him, and Christ accepting gratitude from us.”   Test. Vol. 5, p. 229.

” It is through the word that Christ abides in His followers.  This is the same vital union that is represented by eating His flesh and drinking His blood.  The words of Christ are spirit and life.  Receiving them, you receive the life of the vine.  You live “by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matt. 4:4.  The life of Christ in you produces the same fruits as in Him.  Living in Christ, adhering of Christ, supported by Christ, drawing nourishment from Christ, you bear fruit after the similitude of Christ.”   DA, p. 677.

For further study, read, The Desire of Ages, pp/ 674-680

” And the spirit and the bride say, come.  And let him that heareth say come.  And let him that is athirst come.  And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”   (Rev. 22:17)

” Come!”   Say the spirit and the bride.

” Come!”   Let each hearer reply.

One of the greatest evidences of having heard and responded to the God who speaks is in the hearer’s urge to pass on to others the gracious invitation he has received from heaven, to participate with the Holy Spirit and the church in the vital work of witnessing.

” Not upon the ordained minister only rests the responsibility of going forth to fulfill this commission.  Everyone who has received Christ is called to work for the salvation of his fellow men.  “The spirit and the bride say, come.  And let him that heareth say, come.”  Rev. 22:17.  The charge to give this invitation includes the entire church.  Everyone who has heard the invitation is to echo the message from hill and valley, saying, “Come.”

” It is a fatal mistake to suppose that the work of soul saving depends alone upon the ministry.  The humble, consecrated believer upon whom the Master of the vineyard places a burden for souls is to be given encouragement by the men upon whom the Lord has laid larger responsibilities.  Those who stand as leaders in the church of God are to realize that the Saviour’s commission is given to all who believe in His name.  God will send forth into His vineyard many who have not been dedicated to the ministry by the laying on of hands.

” Hundreds, yea, thousands, who have heard the message of salvation, are still idlers in the market place, when they might be engaged in some line of active service.  To these Christ is saying, ‘Why stand ye here all the day idle?’ and He adds, ” Go ye also into the vineyard.”  Matt. 20:6, 7.  Why is it that many more do not respond to the call?  Is it because they think themselves excused in that they do not stand in the pulpit?  Let them understand that there is a large work to be done outside the pulpit by thousands of consecrated lay members.

” Long has God waited for the spirit of service to take possession of the whole church so that everyone shall be working for Him according to his ability.  When the members of the Church of God do their appointed work in the needy fields at home and abroad, in fulfillment of the gospel commission, the whole world will soon be warned and the Lord Jesus will return to this earth with power and great glory.  ‘The gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.’  Matt. 24:14.”   AA, p. 110, 111.

” To every child of God whose voice the enemy of souls has succeeded in silencing, the question is addressed, – what doest thou here?”   I commissioned you to go into all the world and preach the gospel, to prepare a people for the day of God.  Why are you here?  Who sent you?

” The joy set before Christ, the joy that sustained Him through sacrifice and suffering, was the joy of seeing sinners saved.  This should be the joy of every follower of His, the spur to his ambition.  Those who realize, even in a limited degree, what redemption means to them and to their fellowmen, will comprehend in some measure the vast needs of humanity.  Their hearts will be moved to compassion as they see the moral and spiritual destitution of thousands who are under the shadow of terrible doom, in comparison with which physical suffering fades into nothingness.

” Of families, as of individuals, the question is asked, ‘What doest thou here?’  In many churches there are families well instructed in the truths of God’s word, who might widen the sphere of their influence by moving to places in need of the ministry they are capable of giving.  God calls for Christian families to go into the dark places of the earth and work wisely and perseveringly for those who are enshrouded in spiritual gloom.  To answer this call requires self-sacrifice.  While many are waiting to have every obstacle removed, souls are dying, without hope and without God… Where are those who are willing to do as much for the sake of telling others of the Saviour?”   PK, p. 171-173.

It is impossible to separate the acceptance of salvation from a paralleling sense of mission.  The heart and mind that have heard of God’s loving message are constrained to share the ” Good News.” (see 2 Cor. 5:13, 14)  To put it another way, he who has no sense of constraint or urgency upon him to share the gospel message and experience may need to take stock, to see whether he is still ” abiding” in the vine – whether the words of Christ are abiding in Him.

The manner in which the believer responds to God’s speaking is indicative of the manner in which he is hearing.  ” The gospel commission is the great missionary charter of Christ’s kingdom.  The disciples were to work earnestly for souls, giving to all the invitation of mercy.  They were not to wait for the people to come to them; they were to go to the people with their message.”   AA, p. 28.

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, whom shall I send and who will go for us?  Then said I, Here am I; send me.”   Isa. 6:8

Dear reader, Christ’s work is to be done.  Let those who believe the truth consecrate themselves to God.  Where there are now a few who are engaged in missionary work, there should be hundreds.  Who will feel the importance, the divine greatness, of the call?  Who will deny self?  When the Saviour calls for workers, who will answer, ” Here am I, send me?”
AMEN