Our theme of ‘listen’ this week is from the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically from the book of 1 Samuel 3:9. The context of this verse is the story of the young boy Samuel, who was serving in the house of the Lord under the high priest Eli. One night, while Samuel was lying down in the temple, he heard a voice calling his name. Thinking it was Eli, Samuel went to him and said, “Here I am; you called me.” However, Eli had not called him and instructed Samuel to go back and lie down. This happened three times, and finally, Eli realised that it might be the Lord who was calling Samuel. So, Eli advised Samuel to respond to the voice by saying, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” Samuel followed Eli’s guidance, and in the subsequent encounter, God spoke to Samuel, revealing important messages and plans for the future. The passage is often interpreted as a model of attentive and humble submission to God’s will. By saying, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening,” Samuel expresses his readiness to hear and obey God’s guidance. It reflects a posture of humility, attentiveness, and a willingness to serve and follow God’s instructions. The phrase shows how one should approach God with an open heart, ready to receive divine guidance and direction in their lives. The theme will encourages us all to listen to God, tune in to silence, embrace the power of music, and most importantly, listen to ourselves.
