Wednesday 15 January 2020

1The child Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli.The Lord’s word was rare in those days.There were not many visions, then.2At that time,when Eli was laid down in his place (now his eyes had begun to grow dim,so that he could not see),3and God’s lamp hadn’t yet gone out,and Samuel had laid down in the Lord’s temple where God’s ark was,4The Lord called Samuel.He said, “Here I am.”

5He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am;for you called me.”

He said, “I didn’t call.Lie down again.”

He went and lay down.6The Lord called yet again, “Samuel!”

Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am;for you called me.”

He answered, “I didn’t call, my son.Lie down again.”7Now Samuel didn’t yet know the Lord,neither was the Lord’s word yet revealed to him.8The Lord called Samuel again the third time.He arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am;for you called me.”

Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child.9Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down.It shall be, if he calls you,that you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord;for your servant hears.’”So Samuel went and lay down in his place.10The Lord came, and stood,and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”

Then Samuel said, “Speak;for your servant hears.”

· · · verses 11–18 are not read19Samuel grew, and the Lord was with himand let none of his words fall to the ground.20All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knewthat Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord.

2I waited patiently for the Lord.He turned to me, and heard my cry.5Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust,and doesn’t respect the proud, nor such as turn away to lies.

7Sacrifice and offering you didn’t desire.You have opened my ears.You have not required burnt offering and sin offering.8Then I said, “Behold, I have come.

8It is written about me in the book in the scroll.9I delight to do your will, my God.Yes, your law is within my heart.”

10I have proclaimed glad news of righteousness in the great assembly.Behold, I will not seal my lips, Lord, you know.

29Immediately, when they had come out of the synagogue,they came into the house of Simon and Andrew,with James and John.30Now Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever,and immediately they told him about her.31He came and took her by the hand and raised her up.The fever left her immediately, and she served them.

32At evening, when the sun had set,they brought to him all who were sickand those who were possessed by demons.33All the city was gathered together at the door.34He healed many who were sick with various diseasesand cast out many demons.He didn’t allow the demons to speak,because they knew him.

35Early in the morning,while it was still dark,he rose up and went out,and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there.36Simon and those who were with him searched for him.37They found him and told him,“Everyone is looking for you.”

38He said to them, “Let’s go elsewhere into the next towns,that I may preach there also,because I came out for this reason.”39He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee,preaching and casting out demons.