Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father’s house, so that there will not be an old man in your house.
1 Samuel 2:31 ESV
Our sin has consequences beyond us. When we don’t deal with sin, it causes more trouble than we realize.
Eli was the High Priest. His sons were priests who did evil in the sight of God. They treated the sacrifices with contempt and slept with the women who ministered at the Tabernacle’s entrance.
And although Eli talked to his sons about what people were saying, he didn’t put a stop to it.
Because of this, God sent a prophet to tell Eli what would happen.
Eli’s sons would both die in the same day and there would never be an old man in Eli’s line. Also, his descendants would never have enough and beg to be part of the priesthood to have a little to eat.
Harsh? Yes, according to OUR standards.
But this underscores the importance that God places on holiness and reverence.
This is important and God doesn’t play around with this.
And, God hasn’t changed! Holiness and reverence is as important today as it was then.
Do you treat the things of God has holy? Or is it just another activity?
The problem today is that we roll everything up into how WE are convinced or feel about it. Football, movie stars, our beautiful homes, education and Jesus are put all on the same level. Sometimes, Jesus is even pushed further back down the priority list.
We don’t go to church to worship God with our church family because we have this other preferred activity… OUCH!
We choose other earthly things over heavenly, spiritual things so many times, just like Eli’s sons.
Just remember, there is a reckoning one day. That’s not a fear tactic. That is reality.
The Good News is that there is forgiveness for anyone who repents and turns away from sin to live for Jesus.
Maybe it’s time to evaluate your life, thoughts and behaviors. The choice is yours! No one can make it for you.
Father, thank You for the blood of Jesus that cleanses me from all my sins. I pray others realize their need for forgiveness and to be made right in Your eyes.
Peace
Todd