Are We Listening?

Eli’s two sons were not walking together with God.  They were literally stealing the offerings made by God’s people.  They were sleeping around with the church ladies.  They were out of control.  So, Eli spoke with them again.

Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. So he said to them, "Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours. No, my sons; the report I hear spreading among the LORD's people is not good. If one person sins against another, God may mediate for the offender; but if anyone sins against the LORD, who will intercede for them?" His sons, however, did not listen to their father's rebuke, for it was the LORD's will to put them to death. (1 Samuel 2:22-25 NIV)

The LORD was speaking to Eli’s sons through their father.  They were not listening.  At the same time, The LORD was speaking to Samuel through his adoptive father, Eli.  The results?

And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with people. (1 Samuel 2:26 NIV)

The same man, Eli, was speaking to three different boys.  He was speaking the truth from The LORD.  One of the boys listened.  Two did not.  The LORD spoke to all three of them but only one was willing to listen.

Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. A third time the LORD called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place. (1 Samuel 3:7-9 NIV)

How about you?  When The LORD speaks to you, do you listen?