October 19, 2023
Topic: CORRUPT SONS OF ELI
Text: 1 Samuel 2:12 -17
Memory Verse: Psalm 66:18 – If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.
I was once attending a church where the Pastor preached about having a personal relationship with God. He was fond of reminding us that the fact that we are born into a Christian home does not make us Christians just as if you find yourself in a garage does not make you a car. You cannot rely on the faith of your parents to be born again as God does not have grandchildren only children of God.
I guess Hophni and Phinehas felt they could eat their cake and have it. Yes, in Israel, the lineage of the Levites became priest automatically, but that did not exempt them from living a surrendered life. As members of the priesthood, the two sons of Eli had responsibilities to conduct services in the temple. As they grew older, they became greedy and used their positions to enrich themselves and defile the temple of God. It was reported that they would place demands for gratification that was much more than the mandatory offering and they committed sexual immorality with women that came to the temple.
Corruption is a major problem in our society today and we, as Children of God should guard against it. When we find ourselves in a position of power and influence, we should not take advantage of others. However, some Christians have been accused of corruption, profiting illegally at their workplaces and even in the house of God. It seems that when we find ourselves in compromising situations, we find it difficult to stand for truth, rather than be the light, we join them or can be even greedier.
God is asking you today, are you guilty of any of these? His word in I John 1:9 says that if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God is too holy to condone sin and unrighteousness. Call upon him today, He is waiting for you to come.
You may say that you do not take advantage of people, that I am upright, but Let us ask the spirit of God to search our heart. If in anyway your standing is shaking, ask Him to convict you of that sin and help you in making the right decision at all times. If we do not repent, the punishment of God will come.
Prayer: Heavenly father, I know I have wronged you. I confess my shortcomings to you today. Thank you for your love that is always available to me. I ask for your forgiveness today. From today, I receive the grace to please you with my actions. In whatever position I find myself, help me to represent you and be your example, Amen