Last week I was watching those unbelievable scenes from America on television. I tried to explain what was going on but found the only thing I could say was “you have to come and see this”. There are times when what we are experiencing is so unusual, or powerful, that we cannot really explain it to others. We need them to see for themselves so they can experience it for themselves. It’s the only way they can come to terms with what we are talking about. The call of God is no different. It’s such a powerful and life changing experience that I needed help coming to terms with it myself. As a minister, I have had many conversations with others who are experiencing the same for themselves. They are not sure what is happening as it defies rational explanation.
Our readings today cover two examples of the call of God on those who least expect it. Crucially they cover the response to the call and how others can help. In our first reading the child Samuel is being called by God but he has no knowledge of God so does not know what is going on. Thinking that it has to be the old priest Eli that is calling him, Samuel continually asks Eli what he wants from him. Eventually Eli recognises that God is calling this child and tells Samuel to reply to the call. In our second reading Nathanael is told that Philip has seen the Messiah only for Nathanael to find it unbelievable that the Messiah would come from a place like Nazareth. Philip simply tells Nathanael to go and see for himself. Fortunately for both Samuel and Nathanael, they do respond, and they are changed because of their curiosity.
It’s the same for us. We cannot become changed people unless we move towards Jesus and see for ourselves. We can learn all we can about Jesus, we can read all the books that are written about Jesus, but we cannot become true followers of Jesus unless we go and meet Him and experience who He is for ourselves. The decision to follow Jesus is not simply based on our intellect but also on our hearts because we have encountered Him and have been changed as a result. We need to be Samuel and Nathanael ourselves and commit to meeting Jesus. We need to be Eli and Philip for others and encourage them to go and see for themselves. It may come as a surprise that God would call us, or call another, but the fact is God does call us and others. We should not be surprised by this and should always be encouraging others to respond to what God is doing. It’s a life changing experience after all!