In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. (1 Sam. 3:1)
Expanded Passage: 1 Samuel 3:1
In every age, it seems, the church imagines it is living in a time of spiritual darkness. Fixing our gaze on the negative energies at work in the world around us, we conclude that the “dark side” is gaining ground. This can cause us to react to the world in panic and fear, seeking to exert some sort of godly authority over the world.
The author of 1 Samuel offers a similar diagnosis of the period of Israel when Eli was high priest and his two priest-sons, Hophni and Phineas, were abusing the people under their authority. First Samuel 3 opens with this stark description of the darkness that hovered over God’s people: “In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions” (1 Sam. 3:1). The truth underlying that statement, however, is not that God was hiding, but that the people were not seeking.
It's easy to look at the world and fear that the light of God is being extinguished. It’s much more beneficial, however, to look for the light of God within—to listen for and hear his voice speaking quietly to our spirit. As long as God’s light continues to shine within his people and they continue to seek and hear his voice, there is no need to fear that the light will be extinguished.
Look to the light of God within and hear God’s voice.
Kevin R. Scott is an editor for Wesleyan Publishing House and author of ReCreatable and Awakening Faith. He loves spending time with his wife, Debbie, their four children, and two grandchildren.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
