Eli

1 Samuel 3:1-9 (NRSV)

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.

At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of theLord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!”and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

I am a preacher's kid.  Granted, I didn't become one until I was in my 30s, so didn't have to grow up with a parent as a pastor as some do.  I'm rather glad of that.  There's a big shiny spotlight that follows PKs (preacher's kids) around.

In the chapter before this one, we find out that Eli has some PKs in his household.  Eli's sons have a spotlight on them alright.  For their bad behavior.  Behavior bad enough to earn God sending a messenger to let Eli know that his sons are doomed.  Not the ending most misbehaving PKs fortunately get.

Yet, here we meet Eli again - after the news has been broken to him and finding him in the temple where his work and his life are.  And if Eli wasn't astute enough to catch on to what was happening with his sons before this, he is astute enough to see what's happening to his protege, Samuel, now.

Here we are told Eli is perceptive.  (Maybe we do tend to be more perceptive about people not in our family)!  Eli, who wasn't perceptive when Hannah was praying (thinking she was drunk instead) now sees in Hannah's son God's work unfolding.  He's an old man, his eyes are "dim," and he's had some serious family problem.  But Eli knows when God is calling.  And he knows God is calling Samuel.

It isn't always so easy to hear God's call.  I like that it takes Samuel several times to go to Eli before he figures out what's happening.  Because honestly, that's how it works for me most of the time.  Sometimes I'm just as slow on the uptake as Eli.

Also telling for me is Eli's graciousness to Samuel.  His sons have been condemned, but Eli is going to nevertheless be there for this boy who has been given to God's service.  He knows that whatever his family issues, God's work and will must be accomplished.

God of grace, help me to hear you when you call and send me guides - like Eli - who can't point your way to me when I miss it!  Amen