The Power of Love

Today’s lesson from the Hebrew Scriptures contrasts two different responses to the voice of God.

Let’s begin by looking at the story of Eli and his household, which begins a couple of chapters earlier. Eli is the established leader in the temple, and he is anything but ideal. Hannah, Samuel’s mother, comes into the temple to pray at the beginning of 1 Samuel, and Eli confuses her prayer for drunkenness (1:12-18). An indication of his dimming senses and grossly off balance intuition. (We likely have all experienced getting away from our self-care and relationship routines--with God or loved ones. When we do, things easily can get off balance and we begin missing things that might seem obvious to onlookers). 

Possibly of far greater concern is Eli’s complete and utter failure at managing the behavior of his sons, who serve as priests in the temple. His sons have completely misunderstood the responsibilities of priestly ministry. They are actually described as ‘scoundrels’ (2:12). It was routine for people to bring sacrifices for the temple, and the very best cut was always meant for God. Eli’s sons kept that portion for themselves (2:12-17). They also have a history of sexually assaulting and raping women who serve at the entrance of the tent of meeting (2:22). 

As appalling as the behaviors of Eli’s sons are, what is far more disturbing is Eli’s gross neglect. He simply sits on his throne, negligent, letting abuse after abuse take place. God warns Eli to stop his sons, yet Eli’s love of power and privilege prevents him from taking God’s voice seriously (2:27-36). A bit like a child who thinks they could probably get away with a bit more. 

Turning to Samuel...His mother had been unable to have children, though following her trip to the temple (the one where Eli thought her prayers were the behavior of a drunk woman) she became pregnant. Hannah was overjoyed and promised to give her child as a servant to God. After Samuel was weaned, she brought him to Eli, to minister in the temple, while she went on to give birth to five more children (1:28; 2:21). 

When we meet Samuel in today’s lesson, he is asleep on the temple floor near dawn.  
A voice cries out: “Samuel! Samuel!” (3:4).  

Samuel assumes it must be Eli calling after him, so he runs off to find Eli. 
“Here I am, for you called me” (3:4) 

Eli, who had been asleep, says, I didn’t call you, go back to sleep. 

Samuel returns to the temple floor, only to hear his name again.  He goes back to Eli who says the same thing--go back to sleep. Then it happens a third time. Eli begins to realize this may be God calling Samuel. While it might seem they are both slow on the uptake, in reality, Eli has been the one in a leadership position and should be well versed at recognizing the voice of God (in spite of his choice to disregard God), while Samuel is a newbie and needs a bit of help deciphering what is going on. 

Eli instructs Samuel to go lie down, and this time should he hear his name called, he was to respond, 
“Speak God, for your servant is listening” (3:9). 

Samuel returns to the temple floor and when he hears his name being called, he lets God know he is listening. 
“Speak God, for your servant is listening” (3:9). 

In response, God says to Samuel:
“See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears it tingle” (3:12).

God then goes on to explain all that will befall Eli’s family, since Eli did not heed God’s warning. 

Samuel laid back down, and in the morning, Eli insisted Samuel tell him everything God had said. While a bit reluctant, Samuel spoke the truth in love to Eli that his family would soon lose everything. Eli essentially said, May it be so. 

This lesson contrasts two different responses to the voice of God. On the one hand is Eli whose senses have grown dim--both literally and metaphorically. God has asked Eli to put an end to the abuses of power taken by his family.  And yet….nothing.  Eli does absolutely nothing. His household’s love of power has become their primary driving force and they will not stop until God forces them out. 

On the other hand is Samuel.  Who answered God each and every time. Samuel has a servant’s heart and he holds a posture of listening. Samuel was informed by his mother’s powerful love, which helped shape his calling   to prophetic ministry from within her womb. Eli learned at a young age how to speak the truth in love to those who did not want to hear it---something that can only be done with the power of love driving us. Samuel goes on to become a trustworthy prophet of God whose ministry is focused on putting an end to corruption. 

It seems pertinent that this particular story shows up in the lectionary on the weekend we remember Martin Luther King, Jr. and in the days before our nation seeks a peaceful transition of power.   A little over sixty-three years ago, a dynamic Black preacher offered a sermon on “Loving Your Enemies” at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery Alabama. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached about the redemptive power of love in that sermon, and the words are still ringing out to us, crying out for our attention, maybe more urgently than ever before. 

King preached: 

“We must discover the power of love, the power, the redemptive power of love. And when we discover that we will be able to make of this old world a new world. We will be able to make men better. Love is the only way.” 

In the calling of Samuel, God reminds Eli and any corrupt leader who will ever hold power, that the power of love is more powerful than the love of power. 

The power of love is redemptive and can transform us into better people, a better society,  a better world. 

This is the message that Jesus proclaimed again and again.  

Love is the only way. 

This is the message that grounds us. 

Love is the only way. 

This is the message that must light the fire within each of us, within every local church, and within the universal Church. 

Love is the only way. 

This is the message that must ground our nation as it seeks a peaceful transition of power. 

Love is the only way. 

This is the message that we must hold tightly to as we move forward in uncertain times. 

Love is the only way. 

Amen. 

As preached at Saints James and Andrew in Greenfield, Massachusetts