April 1st, 2025
by Jeremy Erb
by Jeremy Erb
The Lamp That Never Goes Out: A Journey Through Scripture
In the grand tapestry of biblical history, there are moments when the future seems bleak, and the voice of God feels distant. Yet, even in the darkest times, hope persists. This truth is beautifully illustrated in the story of Samuel's calling, a pivotal moment that marks a transition from chaos to renewal in Israel's history.
Picture a young boy, Samuel, serving in the tabernacle under the high priest Eli. The text tells us that "the word of the Lord was rare in those days, and there was no frequent vision." It's a stark description of a spiritually barren time. Eli, once a faithful servant, had grown complacent, allowing his sons to corrupt the priesthood. Israel was adrift, with "everyone doing what was right in their own eyes."
But even in this spiritual twilight, we're given a glimmer of hope: "The lamp of God had not yet gone out." This simple statement carries profound meaning. In the tabernacle, priests were instructed to keep a lamp burning from dusk till dawn. This lamp, symbolic of God's presence, was still alight – a reminder that even when things seem darkest, God's light persists.
It's in this setting that God calls to Samuel. The young boy, unfamiliar with God's voice, initially mistakes it for Eli. After the third time, Eli realizes what's happening and instructs Samuel to respond, "Speak, Lord, for your servant hears." This moment marks the beginning of Samuel's prophetic ministry and a new chapter in Israel's story.
The calling of Samuel echoes earlier pivotal moments in Scripture. We're reminded of God calling to Abraham, Jacob, and Moses – each time using the repeated name: "Abraham, Abraham," "Jacob, Jacob," "Moses, Moses." Now we hear, "Samuel, Samuel." This repetition signals that something momentous is about to unfold.
Samuel's calling places him in a line of significant figures in Israel's history. Like Moses before him, Samuel would serve as a national prophet, bringing God's word not just to a tribe or region, but to all of Israel. This calling narrative foreshadows the unification and transformation that Samuel's ministry would bring to a fractured nation.
But the story of Samuel points to something – or someone – even greater. Throughout Scripture, we see a pattern of prophets and leaders who, while significant, are ultimately imperfect shadows of a greater fulfillment to come. Moses spoke of a future prophet like himself who would arise, saying, "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen" (Deuteronomy 18:15).
This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The parallels between Moses, Samuel, and Jesus are striking. Like Moses, Jesus was born in a time of danger, escaping a ruler's decree of infanticide. Like Samuel, Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, astonishing teachers in the temple at a young age.
But Jesus surpasses all who came before Him. Where Moses gave manna in the wilderness, Jesus declares Himself the Bread of Life. Where Moses struck a rock for water, Jesus offers living water that quenches all thirst. Where Samuel anointed kings, Jesus is the King of Kings.
The Gospel of John beautifully illustrates Jesus as the fulfillment of Moses' prophecy. When Philip encounters Jesus, he excitedly tells Nathanael, "We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote." Jesus then demonstrates His divine knowledge, telling Nathanael, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael's response? "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"
Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection represent the ultimate "lamp that never goes out." In Him, we see the radiance of God's glory, the exact imprint of God's nature. As the book of Hebrews puts it, "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son."
This truth offers profound hope and challenge for us today. We may look at our world and see darkness, division, and what seems like the absence of God's voice. We might feel like we're living in a time when "the word of the Lord is rare." But the message of Scripture is clear: God's lamp has not gone out. It never will.
Jesus Christ, the true and faithful high priest, the once-for-all sacrifice, the living Word of God, continues to shine in the darkness. Nations may rise and fall, but His kingdom is eternal. Even when we are faithless, He remains faithful.
The question, then, is not whether God is speaking, but whether we are listening. Are we, like Samuel, ready to say, "Speak, Lord, for your servant hears"? Are we willing to humble ourselves and trust in the One who is greater than Moses, greater than Samuel, greater than all our expectations?
In a world of competing voices and conflicting messages, we're called to listen to Jesus. At His transfiguration, with Moses and Elijah present, God's voice declared, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." This echoes Moses' ancient prophecy and invites us into a living relationship with the God who speaks.
As we navigate the complexities of life, may we remember that the lamp of God has not gone out. It burns brightly in the person of Jesus Christ. Let us draw near to Him, listen to His voice, and trust in His unfailing light. For in Him, we find not just answers for today, but hope for all eternity.
In the grand tapestry of biblical history, there are moments when the future seems bleak, and the voice of God feels distant. Yet, even in the darkest times, hope persists. This truth is beautifully illustrated in the story of Samuel's calling, a pivotal moment that marks a transition from chaos to renewal in Israel's history.
Picture a young boy, Samuel, serving in the tabernacle under the high priest Eli. The text tells us that "the word of the Lord was rare in those days, and there was no frequent vision." It's a stark description of a spiritually barren time. Eli, once a faithful servant, had grown complacent, allowing his sons to corrupt the priesthood. Israel was adrift, with "everyone doing what was right in their own eyes."
But even in this spiritual twilight, we're given a glimmer of hope: "The lamp of God had not yet gone out." This simple statement carries profound meaning. In the tabernacle, priests were instructed to keep a lamp burning from dusk till dawn. This lamp, symbolic of God's presence, was still alight – a reminder that even when things seem darkest, God's light persists.
It's in this setting that God calls to Samuel. The young boy, unfamiliar with God's voice, initially mistakes it for Eli. After the third time, Eli realizes what's happening and instructs Samuel to respond, "Speak, Lord, for your servant hears." This moment marks the beginning of Samuel's prophetic ministry and a new chapter in Israel's story.
The calling of Samuel echoes earlier pivotal moments in Scripture. We're reminded of God calling to Abraham, Jacob, and Moses – each time using the repeated name: "Abraham, Abraham," "Jacob, Jacob," "Moses, Moses." Now we hear, "Samuel, Samuel." This repetition signals that something momentous is about to unfold.
Samuel's calling places him in a line of significant figures in Israel's history. Like Moses before him, Samuel would serve as a national prophet, bringing God's word not just to a tribe or region, but to all of Israel. This calling narrative foreshadows the unification and transformation that Samuel's ministry would bring to a fractured nation.
But the story of Samuel points to something – or someone – even greater. Throughout Scripture, we see a pattern of prophets and leaders who, while significant, are ultimately imperfect shadows of a greater fulfillment to come. Moses spoke of a future prophet like himself who would arise, saying, "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen" (Deuteronomy 18:15).
This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The parallels between Moses, Samuel, and Jesus are striking. Like Moses, Jesus was born in a time of danger, escaping a ruler's decree of infanticide. Like Samuel, Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, astonishing teachers in the temple at a young age.
But Jesus surpasses all who came before Him. Where Moses gave manna in the wilderness, Jesus declares Himself the Bread of Life. Where Moses struck a rock for water, Jesus offers living water that quenches all thirst. Where Samuel anointed kings, Jesus is the King of Kings.
The Gospel of John beautifully illustrates Jesus as the fulfillment of Moses' prophecy. When Philip encounters Jesus, he excitedly tells Nathanael, "We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote." Jesus then demonstrates His divine knowledge, telling Nathanael, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael's response? "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"
Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection represent the ultimate "lamp that never goes out." In Him, we see the radiance of God's glory, the exact imprint of God's nature. As the book of Hebrews puts it, "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son."
This truth offers profound hope and challenge for us today. We may look at our world and see darkness, division, and what seems like the absence of God's voice. We might feel like we're living in a time when "the word of the Lord is rare." But the message of Scripture is clear: God's lamp has not gone out. It never will.
Jesus Christ, the true and faithful high priest, the once-for-all sacrifice, the living Word of God, continues to shine in the darkness. Nations may rise and fall, but His kingdom is eternal. Even when we are faithless, He remains faithful.
The question, then, is not whether God is speaking, but whether we are listening. Are we, like Samuel, ready to say, "Speak, Lord, for your servant hears"? Are we willing to humble ourselves and trust in the One who is greater than Moses, greater than Samuel, greater than all our expectations?
In a world of competing voices and conflicting messages, we're called to listen to Jesus. At His transfiguration, with Moses and Elijah present, God's voice declared, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." This echoes Moses' ancient prophecy and invites us into a living relationship with the God who speaks.
As we navigate the complexities of life, may we remember that the lamp of God has not gone out. It burns brightly in the person of Jesus Christ. Let us draw near to Him, listen to His voice, and trust in His unfailing light. For in Him, we find not just answers for today, but hope for all eternity.
No Comments