Narrative Lectionary 638 (NL406): God Calls Samuel - October 12, 2025

Working Preacher's Narrative Lectionary

Welcome to "I Love to Tell the Story," a podcast exploring the Narrative Lectionary! In this episode for October 12th, 2025, hosts Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferducker, and Craig Koester dive into 1 Samuel 3 - the powerful story of God calling the young boy Samuel.

Join us as we explore: * The crisis of leadership in ancient Israel at the end of the judges era * Why Samuel didn't initially recognize God's voice calling him * The challenging truth-telling ministry Samuel was called to, including confronting his mentor Eli * How God's persistent calling doesn't depend on our ability but on God's faithfulness * What it means to be a "trustworthy prophet" who speaks difficult truths * The ongoing vocation of listening that defines prophetic ministry * How all Christians are called through baptism to various forms of ministry and witness

This episode tackles the uncomfortable reality that sometimes God calls us to speak truth to power, even when it's difficult or involves confronting corruption. The hosts remind us that everyone - not just pastors - has callings from God in multiple areas of life.

🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers.

🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Here is Kathryn's commentary from 2014: https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-13/commentary-on-genesis-221-14-5.

Follow along with the commentary on 1 Samuel 3:1-21 written by Amy G. Oden at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/god-calls-samuel/commentary-on-1-samuel-31-21-4.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/L3hPq6M_5VY.