God Calls Samuel 1 Samuel Chapter 3 God

God Calls Samuel 1 Samuel Chapter 3

God Calls Samuel God speaks to Samuel The aims of this lesson are to help us understand that • No one is too young for God to use. • God communicates to us in many ways. • We must listen carefully when God speaks to us. The Bible verse is 1 Samuel 3: 9 “Speak Lord for your servant is listening”

God Calls Samuel God speaks to Samuel was just a young boy, but God used him to deliver a big message. Samuel grew up to become a prophet of God and a leader for the Israelites. When God called Samuel to rise and shine, he listened and did God’s will. Join in with this song which encourages us to “give God the glory”. (It’s quite short so worth singing 2 or 3 times!)

God Calls Samuel God speaks to Samuel was growing up. He lived with Eli the priest and had lots of jobs to do. But although he worked for God, he did not know God for himself. In those days not many of God’s people obeyed God’s law and hardly anyone was given a message from God.

God Calls Samuel God speaks to Samuel One night Eli lay down to go to sleep in his usual place. The lamp was still burning and Samuel lay down to go to sleep too. Suddenly, he heard a voice calling “Samuel”. It was God but Samuel thought it was Eli. He ran over to Eli and said “Here I am; you called me”. “I didn’t call you” said Eli, “go back and lie down” (This happened twice more)

God Calls Samuel Eli Helps Samuel Eli knew it was God. (read 1 Samuel 3: 9 -10) Samuel thought it was Eli calling his name because he had never heard God’s voice before. Eli was an old man who had served God for a long time and realised who was calling. He told Samuel what to say. God called again “Samuel, Samuel!”. This time he replied, “Speak, for your servant is listening”.

God Calls Samuel What God said Samuel listened to God’s message. He learned that God is fair and always does the right thing. (because Eli’s sons were doing bad things and disobeying him, God was going to punish them. ) Next morning Samuel got on with his jobs. Do you think he wanted to tell Eli what God had said? No! He was afraid! Then Eli called to him and Samuel told Eli everything God has said. Eli knew the message was from God. We should listen to God’s word and do what it says.

God Calls Samuel was given a message from God. He heard God speak to him. After this Samuel became a prophet (a special messenger from God). God continued to speak to him. He became well known throughout the country of Israel. It is important that we listen to what God says and to do what he says.

God Calls Samuel God speaks to people today, even children, but not usually in the same way he spoke to Samuel. We can know when it’s God who is speaking to us but he won’t usually speak out loud. He speaks to us through the Bible, God’s word. He can use other ways too (just as He spoke to people in the Bible) but he never says the opposite of what the Bible says.

God can use many ways to speak to us but we believe He uses our pastors to preach/teach us what is in God’s word, the Bible. When we go to church we should expect to hear God encouraging us or warning us, challenging us or comforting us. The Bible gives us God’s instructions for life. Do you think you have ever heard God speak to you? Ask an adult this same question. If you/they have, what did He say?

Our lesson ends with praising God singing one of our favourite songs. Here is a closing prayer before you begin the workbook activities. Heavenly Father, thank You that You want to speak to us and that we are not too young to hear your voice or to be used by You. Please help us to hear your voice and to obey it, to honour You and to always do our best for You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.