Samuel
– A Lifetime
Serving God
·
This
past year and a half, we've seen in our own country the trouble that can come
when those in positions of authority do not respect God's ways
·
Eli
had two sons who served as priests (1:3). Sadly, "they had no regard for
the Lord" (2:12)
·
Isn't
it amazing that someone can serve as priest in the Tabernacle and still not know
God?
·
Method
for providing for the priests was clearly outlined in Lev. 7:30-34. The fat was
to be burned first. God must come first.
·
Eli's
sons had become so callous about what they were doing; they took, even by
threat of force, their share before the offering was made. What's more, they
were interfering with another person's offering to the Lord. Their own selfish
desires had become more important than observing the solemn requirements of the
Law.
·
In
the midst of all this, seeing this first hand, was little Samuel. He served in
the tabernacle (2:18) and so was exposed to this sad example. But Samuel kept
his faith (2:26)
·
We
are given a touching glimpse of Hannah coming every year to give Samuel a robe.
(2:19) You know how kids grow out of clothes!
·
Last
week we talked about Hannah giving up that which she wanted most. Here, God
rewards her choice, and gives her even more than what she asked for (2:20,21)
·
Goliath
was a big problem, Hannah had a big problem, but she had found the way to
conquer life's big problems. Not the world's way, but the upside-down way.
·
Here
in Chapter 2, God sends a prophet to speak to Eli, not Eli's sons.
·
We
see Eli's sons were involved the same kind of wickedness the pagans practiced
(2:22)
·
Eli
spoke to his sons (2:23), but apparently that's all he did. Hence the visit
from the prophet.
·
The
man of God had some very direct questions for Eli (2:29)
·
There
are severe consequences for the family because of this continued sin (2:30-34)
·
God
promises there will be a priest who will remember the holiness of God's laws
(2:35)
#1) God still uses imperfect
Christians, but sin in our lives leads to serious consequences
#2) God will ultimately
discipline people who use religious positions to further their own purposes
#3) It's possible for children
to grow up to be godly adults, even though they've lived around sin
For
next week, read I Samuel 3
