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| Source: regenerationandrepentance.wordpress.com |
As a believer, God's word is to be life to us. Instruction. Comfort. Wisdom.
But how many of us honestly tremble at the word of God?
We see this mentioned a few times in the book of Isaiah:
"But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word." --Isaiah 66:2 (emphasis mine)
I read a section of the Scriptures last week with my children that has made me do just that! Quite frankly, it scares the bejesus outta me!
It is the story of Eli and his two sons, Phinehas and Hophni, who served as priests for the Israelite people. Phinehas and Hophni were not faithful priests, however. The Scriptures describe them as "worthless men" who "did not know the Lord" (1 Sam 2:12). Instead of following God's prescribed sacrificial laws, they chose to dishonor God and take the best of the meat from the burnt offerings for themselves, cheating God from His due share. In fact, if the patrons of the Tabernacle refused to give in to their demands, they bullied them, taking what they wanted by force. And Phinehas and Hophni fed their father, Eli, this forbidden sacrificial meat, as well (with his knowledge).
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| Source: pauliemugo.com |
As a result of their sinful behavior, Eli confronted them:
"Now Eli was very old, and he kept hearing all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting. And he said to them, 'Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all these people. No, my sons; it is no good report that I hear the people of the Lord spreading abroad. If someone sins against a man, God will mediate for him, but if someone sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him?' But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the Lord to put them to death." --1 Samuel 2:22-25
Now, part of me would like to sympathize with Eli. He was a godly priest, foster father to Samuel, and faithful to God's service. It is regrettable that his sons decided to sin and dishonor God, but can this not happen to any faithful parent? We have no guarantee as Christian parents that our children will follow the example of our faith and obey God. Eli rebuked his sons, and they chose not to listen to him. Eli did his job, right?
But it is not quite that simple. You see, although Eli rebuked his sons, he did nothing to discipline them or stop them from bullying God's people and making a mockery of the priesthood. He did not force them to step down as priests or ensure that they make restitution for their sinful behavior. Moreover, he accepted the meat they offered to him and ate it himself. Eli's example of eating the forbidden meat did far more to teach his sons what is right and wrong than his words ever could!
God in His mercy rebuked Eli through a godly man whom He sent to warn him:
"...'Why then do you scorn [Hebrew verb form indicates a habitual action] my sacrifices and my offerings that I commanded for my dwelling, and honor your sons above me by fattening yourselves on the choicest parts of every offering of my people Israel?’ Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: 'I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever,' but now the Lord declares: 'Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 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 2:29-31 (emphasis mine)
Do you see how God addresses Eli's heart here? Ultimately, by failing to discipline his sons, Eli has chosen to honor his sons above God. This man goes on to tell Eli that God has chosen to reject and destroy Eli's household ("all the descendants of your house shall die by the sword of men," 1 Sam 2:33) and both his sons will be killed on the same day.
Eli is given yet another chance to repent when God calls Samuel, and tells him all that will happen to Eli's household because "his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them (1 Sam 3:13)." At the encouragement of Eli, Samuel tells him about God's curse in detail:
"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.'" --1 Samuel 3:15-18
Did you notice Eli's reaction to Samuel's prophetic news? Did it involve repentance or remorse? No! It was simply acceptance: let God do what He will do. Eli missed yet another chance to repent for his failure as a father and head priest! (Compare this with Job, a man who offered up sin offerings on behalf of his children, just in case they sinned (see Job 1:4-5)).
So I am left to wonder...
How can Eli, a chosen priest of God, get it so wrong?
How can he faithfully serve at the Tabernacle, mentor young Samuel, and yet fail so miserably in His role as a father and a mentor to his two sons?
However, instead of pointing fingers at Eli in judgement, I am left to ponder the lessons of his life for myself...
- How do I rebuke the sinful actions and attitudes of my kids, yet fail to show them a godly way out of their sin, through repentance and faith in God?
- How do I honor God with my lips around my kids, yet show them actions that prove otherwise?
- How do I benefit from the fruits of their poor choices, if it makes my day easier or brings me pleasure in some way?
- Am I faithful to follow through with godly consequences for my children's sins and protect those who could be hurt by their sinful actions?
- Do I focus on my ministry "out there," to the exclusion or neglect of my primary ministry of discipline and discipleship of my own children, whom God has entrusted to my care?
What about you, dear friend? Does the story of Eli and his sons resonate with you, too? Does it make you tremble, as a godly parent, as you seek to raise up the next generation of God's priesthood (see 1 Peter 2:5)?
May the Lord guide, direct, and convict us as parents as we seek to do His will and glorify Him in our homes! I trust He will be faithful to do so, as we humble ourselves and tremble at the word He has for us today!
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