And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” –I Samuel 3:10
The text says that Samuel has gone through the phases of confusion and he has now reached the phase of clarity. From confusion to clarity. That seems to be a summary of the Christian life. The chaos of our day-to-day, the voices that are constantly seeking our attention, so much happening all the time that at times we forget to hear. Samuel is ready to hear. The sins both locally and nationally that plague his nation do not keep Samuel in the state of perpetual confusion. He is finding clarity. He knows well that clarity can ultimately be found in the One who makes all things new and who brings us from chaos to community; from corruption to careful reflection. Speak, for your servant hears!
God has spoken! And as you come to eat and drink as one body, you come ready to hear. This entire service has been a systematic plan to get you to listen. And if you have listened, now you can eat in peace for God is ready to feed you and there is nothing confusing about that.
