The highly respected Protestant ethicist Paul Ramsey once made the following comment about the call of Samuel as accounted in I Samuel 3. When the Lord called Samuel, Samuel responded,
10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” 11 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. (I Samuel 3:9-10)
“Speak, for your servant hears.” In other translations it says, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” However, in our time, at the call of the Lord, the modern person, would no doubt respond, “Speak, Lord, and I’ll think over.”
Part of the modern temper is to play it cool and not commit too much and too soon. Always keep your options open. Above all, put a little aside so you won’t be dependent on anyone. It is not that we are closed to God’s call; it is just that we want to know the job description and that what will required of us. LEAPS OF FAITH were fine for Abraham, Samuel, King David but not for us moderns come to age.
The nature of God’s call is such that each moment is not’ planned or programmed. God does not put boundaries on his love or on his call to service. Basically, when we respond to God’s call we are accepting a covenant relationship. We don’t enter into a contract with God. There is not series of do’s and don’ts. Our relationship is such that generosity and a willing spirit require more of us than can be put on paper. There are no private moments and hidden reserves that we keep for ourselves. All that we have comes from God, and so is to be used for his glory and the service of those in need.
In John1:35-42, Jesus’ penetrating question to the future disciples is a fundamental one which we must all ponder. “WHAT ARE YOU SEEKING?” (v.38) or “WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?” These men had been told by John that Jesus was the Lamb of God. The instinctively followed him. These men no doubt were looking for many things: a better way to fish; perhaps the one who would drive the Romans out; maybe nothing greater than a few words of kindness and some direction on their lives. Yet one gets the impression that there was something deeper at work. The pragmatic men of boats, nets and fish were looking for that which lasts. In the midst of flux and constant change, they dimly perceived in Jesus that he was the One who is the Way, Truth, Life, and Light. They saw through a glass only darkly that in the person of Jesus their deepest longings and hopes would be realized. They sensed in this unknown teacher a message that would only grow in power with the passage of time. The impulse was great: these men had to go where Jesus stayed.
The invitation of Jesus is straightforward and open-ended. “COME AND SEE” (v.38) or “COME AND YOU WILL SEE.” Jesus does not specify what is to follow. But neither does he fool them with false promises and grand plans. What is crucial is the willingness to follow the person of Jesus. TO BE A DISCIPLE IS TO BE WHERE JESUS IS. We must let go of our agenda and be willing to listen, follow, and see where Jesus is to be found. We cannot drag along all of our conditions and expectations. To follow Jesus and see where he is, is to be part of the great adventure of faith. One thing is for sure-it is never dull.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? WHAT DO WE WANT OUT OF LIFE? All of us desire to be happy. So many things promise contentment without end. Only Jesus is the way to true and lasting peace. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to live in such a way that others will want to come and see where Jesus stays. There is a great dignity in our Christian vocation. We belong to Jesus, having become part of God’s family through his death and resurrection. Paul writes,
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (I Corinthians 6:19-20)
The invitation to follow the Lamb of God is extended to each of us. Let us develop a listening heart and willing spirit, so that when the Lord speaks to us, we will be ready to respond totally. We will go and see where Jesus is to be found. For there too will be our place.
Pastor Gideon
