Up until the 90s telegram was still in use widely to communicate urgent messages within many countries across the globe. Even though communication media such as Telephones, Telex, and Facsimile were around by then though not prevalent as now, Telegram was used because it was comparatively inexpensive. A telegraph company once called the potential candidates for a personal interview at its city office to fill some vacancies. On the day of the interview, the candidates came in and registered at the office. They were told to wait in a hall until called individually for the job interview. While waiting, most got busy getting to know each other, chatting up, and making new friends
After a long wait and lots of chatting up, they realized that the day was almost over. When they approached the reception to check the reason for the delay, they were told that the selection process has been completed, and the required number of candidates have already given orders to join. When pressed for details the officer in charge explained the candidates the interview calls were transmitted in the hall by Morse Code, which is the telegraphy code the interviewees were supposed to be well versed in, and those who responded to the coded invites were interviewed and appointed. Those who had not paid attention, who did not remain tuned to hear those coded invites missed out on the opportunity and were disappointed. Morse Code is made up of combinations of DOTS and DASHES to signify the alphabets of the English language conveyed using special devices over the line,
The story reminds us of how important it is for Christians to stay attentive and remain tuned to the calling of God on our lives. In the book of 1st Samuel Chapter 3, we read the story of young Samuel responding to God’s call one night while sleeping in the Tabernacle with Eli, the Priest. The first three times Samuel thinks it is Eli, the Priest, calling him. Even though it was after a long day’s work at the Tabernacle Samuel remained attentive. He was sharp to respond immediately. Samuel did not gripe, complain, or murmur why Eli is waking him up so late in the night. He was humble enough to get up, run to wherever Eli was, and present himself three times saying “Here I am, did you call me?”.
Samuel displayed the right attitude and demonstrated a service mindedness in responding to the call. Most importantly, Samuel did not allow his tiredness, or need to rest, or the issues of the world interfere with or interrupt his communication with God.
Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.” – 1 Sam: 3:10
Note that God also persisted; the fourth time Samuel responded correctly and heard God’s plans for the nation of Israel, for Eli and his sons. Ever since then, Samuel continued to hear from God and walked in His ways and directed the people of Israel on the right path. Scriptures is full of instances of how God spoke with His chosen subjects. Both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament we have numerous examples; beginning with Adam.In the Old Testament times God spoke to His people through the chosen prophets. And in the New Testament after resurrection of Jesus Christ it is through the presence of the Holy Spirit within us that He calls and speaks with us.
Dear brothers and sisters, are we tuned to hear from God? This is the time for introspection. Like Samuel, we need to remain attentive so that we will be able to hear Him when He calls. It is with an attitude of humility and servitude that we should approach Him and ask as Samuel did, “Lord speak I am listening”. He is looking for the opportunity to form a close personal relationship with us, more than willing to speak with us. To reveal the plans He has for us and the Kingdom. Let us not be like the people who came for the job interview. They cluttered their hearing chatting up with the new friends and allowed distractions of this world to miss the most important message. Let us de-clutter our life; set aside time and always remain alert. Let us incline our ears to God, listen to Him and learn the plans he has made for us, hope for our good and betterment.