Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 2:22-4:22, Psalm 29
Am I so relaxed that I have become lazy?
Has comfortable slowly turned into sloppy?
Have I become apathetic to the needs of others?
Do these blessings make me look fat?
There were some treacherous things going on at the place of worship where Samuel was now living. Eli’s sons had no respect for the Lord or for the sacrifices God’s people were coming to Shiloh to offer. They were even seducing the young women assisting at the Tabernacle. They knew what they were doing was wrong, but they intentionally chose sin over obedience. Eli was aware of what his sons were doing, and he pleaded with them to stop sinning.
“I have been hearing reports from all the people about the wicked things you are doing. Why do you keep sinning? You must stop, my sons!” — 1 Sam. 2:23-24
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE RECOGNIZE GOD’S VOICE BUT FAIL TO OBEY?
Eli did not remove his sons from their place of honor even when they continued sinning, so the Lord sent a message to Eli through a man of God: I have revealed myself to your ancestors, I chose your family for this ministry, I assigned you to something VERY holy. Why do you scorn all of this by giving your sons more honor than you give me? You and your sons have become fat from the best offerings of my people Israel! (2:27-29). In essence, God was saying — they are sacrificing while you are indulging; with my blessings you have made yourself comfortable instead of making yourself useful.
Eli’s sons were sinning against God by what they did; Eli was sinning against God by what he did NOT do. All were disobedient and all were punished by God. God had placed Eli in leadership within the people of Israel and his failure to be the spiritual leader God had called him to be caused his death, the death of his two sons, the death of 30,000 Israelite soldiers and the capture of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines (1 Sam. 4).
Our sin and disobedience to God can destroy our lives and destroy those around us. God has a plan to use us in the lives of others, but what happens when we choose our own ways instead of His? What happens when we disobey or delay our obedience rather than respond as Samuel did? What happens when we keep God’s blessings for ourselves instead of passing them on and using them as He directs?
Hannah knew the joy of giving God’s biggest blessing back to Him. God generously responded to Hannah’s prayers and she responded back with a generous heart towards God. God blessed Hannah for serving Him in this way. Eli had also been blessed by God but became comfortable in his leadership position, not taking action when he should have.
God, show me any disobedience in my life – disobedience by what I am doing or by what I am NOT doing. May I not get fat on your blessings but know that I am saved to serve, that I have been chosen by you for a role in the lives of others. Lord, use me and hear my prayers on the behalf of others as I plead for their salvation and healing. Forgive me; empty me out of anything that is me so that I may be filled with you and you only today. May I always know to whom I belong and may I always respond to your voice. Amen.
The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea.
The God of glory thunders.
The Lord thunders over the mighty sea.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic. — Psalm 29:3–4