We start with a word (or two) from God. Times are changing. The young man Samuel is growing up in temple service, thanks to his mother’s vow of faith. Eli is in charge, but Eli is declining, and his sons aren’t living up to the job.

Let’s remember that, once upon a time, Eli was the one whom God called. We have no record of how that happened. 1 Samuel reports that by the time of Samuel’s birth, Eli had been a long time in the job, and his sons – destined to succeed him – were quite simply ‘scoundrels.’

And while this is the first of two books dedicated to the career of Samuel, let’s spare a thought for Eli. Woken three times by this young man whom God will summon -Eli is not blind to what is happening. The tide is turning. Samuel is the one with whom God would speak. This is not likely to be good news for Eli, but he is a faithful guy (even if his sons are not) and he gives young Samuel the only possible advice. ‘Go lie down. Listen carefully. respond with respect.’

Eli knows what’s coming. The promises of God will not fail, but the behaviour of his sons means there will be a reckoning. In the biblical narrative – especially in the Old Testament –  God’s favour comes with the expectation of exemplary behaviour.  Those are the rules that Eli knows he must follow (even if his sons do not).

We like the rules to be clear, but it’s always better when the rules favour us. And Eli’s response is a hard lesson for us too. Upon hearing that disaster will befall his family, he says simply “It is the Lord – let him do what seems good to him.”

Jesus knows the rules too – better than most. And what baffles us this morning is his seeming disdain for the rules – Sabbath rules especially. Aren’t these the most basic? Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy (six day’s work was enough for God to bring forth all that is, was and ever shall be. So take a break (says the law) and the rules that we devise to ensure that the Sabbath is kept are just loving, faithful extensions of that blessed commandment…aren’t they?

What do you make of Jesus’ question to the leaders of the synagogue? To the people who set the bar for holy-day behaviour, Jesus throws down a challenge: what is permitted? Help or harm? To save life, or kill? The suggestion is that the current rules are more likely to lead to harm than help.

We like this defiant Jesus, but we don’t really hear what he is saying – how God is reaching out beyond the ‘rules’ to offer a different way of thinking.

We want to give Jesus some leeway – being the Son of God, and all – but once you breach the ‘Holy Sabbath,’ what is left?

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When I arrived in Pictou County Nova Scotia – the cradle of all things Presbyterian – I didn’t realize that I had landed in the middle of a crisis for the faithful. The laws on Sunday shopping had only recently been repealed. It was ‘anything goes’ on the retail market, and the worthy women and men of the Presbytery of Pictou were none to happy.

Into one such conversation, I dared to suggest that it was ‘no big deal.’ After all, Ontario had broken down those restrictions some years before. It was already part of my understanding of how the world worked. Lea worked retail, and that meant Sunday work. Heck, I worked Sunday’s too (trying hard to lighten the moment) what was the big deal?

I wish that I had thought to put Jesus’ speech to use just then. The argument was eventually about justice for workers, and greedy corporations, but Jesus’ words might have helped. After all, as much as we like the rules to be clear, we are always grateful when someone in authority can find us a loophole.

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Samuel turns to Eli to help him find a way to navigate God’s call – a call that includes the downfall of Eli and his family. Eli’s response honours God’s sovereignty – he is reminding the young Samuel that God’s call can invite difficult choices and involves adapting to changing circumstances.

Jesus follows God’s leading to the places of power and influence – and shakes them to their core. Sabbath laws are still a point of contention. Since my arrival I have heard from folks who  would remind me that before Sunday shopping (and Sunday sports) this congregation was ‘bursting at the seams.’

Is Sunday activity entirely to blame? Do we only need to go back to the ‘thrilling days of yesteryear (that is to say, 1992) and all will be restored?

By now you won’t be surprised to hear me say NO. going back is not something that fixes things. Eli knows his time is u, and no amount of wishing will change what has happened. Jesus is more direct: Sabbath is for us – the day is the day. What do you choose to do with it?

Hurt or help? Kill or cure? These seem like extreme options, but Jesus makes his case with words and actions. What you do on your holy day ought to bring life – wholeness – meaning and positivity. Jesus throws down the challenge and leaves the details to us. So how will we react?

The call of God rings in our ears from our baptism. It is affirmed t our many, sacred rituals – in weekly worship, at the Lord’s table, at church meetings and weddings. Even in a funeral service we are reminded of the invitation to serve and celebrate the work of God among us. And God is always calling us forward.

The past may be full of comfort and memory and tradition and history. It is the rich variety of past experiences that make us who we are. But the present and the future – that’s where the work gets done. That’s where the Spirit is taking us. That’s where the promises of God bear fruit.

Samuel will do things that Eli never dreamed of doing. Jesus living, dying and rising opens the future to us. Things are still changing, and with Gods help, we can be part of that change. The days are ours to use – for joy, for peace, for good for all.