3.1 Discussion: Hineni
Getting Started
Consider the following passage of scripture from Samuel:
Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was located. Then the LORD called to Samuel, and he answered, “Here I am.” He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down . . .”
1 Samuel 3:4–5
Samuel seems to be experiencing sense of urgency. He is eager to please his master, Eli. He wants to be there for him, to do his bidding, to be responsive to his utmost. We can almost feel his disappointment when Eli responds, “I did not call. Go back and lie down.” Oh, how Samuel wanted to be needed by Eli!
Upon successful completion of the course material, you will be able to:
· Discuss the concept of
hineni.
· Share a time when you were called upon during a time of need.
Resources
· Bible
Background Information
There is a Hebrew word and concept known as
hineni. There is a richness of meaning inherent in this one word: Here I am! All my time is yours! All my attention is yours! All my resources are at your disposal, and I am ready to go where you send me!
Samuel heard the Lord’s call. It was so real to him that he thought it was his human master’s voice, the voice of Eli. By the third time Samuel went to answer what he thought was simply Eli’s bidding, he finally figured out that it was the Lord God Himself calling out to Samuel. Samuel responds with everything he has and with everything he is: “
Hineni! Here I am, Lord. Send me!”
All too often we are called to help others, to go into unknown places, and to do the bidding of our Master. All too often we miss that call, assuming it is the voice of another human being. Or if we do hear the cry for assistance, we ignore it and go back to sleep. When was the last time you were called to do something for someone else, something you know our Living God and His Holy Spirit placed on your heart to do? Did you respond with excitement like Samuel, “
Hineni!”? Or did you ignore the call and go back to sleep?
Instructions
1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.
2. Read 1 Samuel 3 in your Bible.
3. Research the Hebrew word
hineni. (You may use the Internet and/or
Strong’s Concordance.)
4. Navigate to the Discussion page and respond to the following prompts:
a. Discuss what you have learned about the concept of
hineni.
b. Share a time when you were called to assist someone.
i. Did you respond with excitement? Did you ignore the cry of your master?
5. Your initial post is due by the end of the fourth day of the workshop
6. Read and respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings, as well as instructor follow-up questions directed to you, by the end of the workshop.
7. Your postings should also:
a. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.
b. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.
