1 SAMUEL 3:10-18 – And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” Then the Lord said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.” Samuel lay until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. But Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” And he said, “Here I am.” And Eli said, “What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.” So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is the Lord. Let him do what seems good to him.”
THEME OF THE DAY: SUBMISSION TO GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY. Today’s scripture is a very sad account, yet it comes with an important lesson for us. Let’s begin with the sad part. It is two-fold.
First, we are witnessing the failure of a father. Eli, a priest no less, knew his sons were living in blatant sin, blaspheming God, and bringing reproach upon His name. He made a huge mistake. He did not restrain them. Let this be a warning to heads of homes. We are responsible for the spiritual environment in our homes to include dealing with sin when known. Granted, we cannot make those in our household believers, but we cannot allow tolerated sin to go unchecked. The Lord takes seriously the role of spiritual leaders in our homes.
The second sad part of this account is the severe judgment from the Lord upon Eli’s sons for their sins and, indirectly, their father’s passivity dealing with them. The judgment? Eli’s sinning sons were killed by the Lord.
As heart-wrenching as this story is, the final words of Eli are an important lesson for us in the Christian life. Imagine the heart of Eli hearing these prophetic words from Samuel of what the Lord was about to do in his life. One would think Eli might fall on his face and beg God for mercy, or to “change His mind.” No. We have neither. Eli knew he was wrong, but far more. He knew the Lord was right and good, even if what He was about to do was extremely painful. And what does Eli do? He submits to God’s sovereignty. He declares, “It is the Lord. Let Him do what seems good to Him.”
Friends, this must also be us in all areas of life – submission to God’s sovereignty. In doing so, despite the consequences, we are acknowledging God’s rights as Creator and Lord. We are affirming it is His prerogative to do with the world and us whatever He deems. Such a life of submission, even through many tears, will be pleasing to the Lord, and lead us to joy, peace, and rest. Why? God is good, wise, and will do no wrong through the working of His complete sovereign will.
PRAYER: “Father, forgive me when I rebel against Your sovereignty by complaining in it.”
QUOTE: “Submission is the most important word to become a Christian and to live as one.”
Because of Him,
Pastor Jim