1 Samuel 2 - Worship, Wickedness and Warning

This chapter is a character study of three types of people. We have Hannah, Eli's wicked sons, and Eli himself all approaching God with differing attitudes. As you read this chapter can you see where you fit?

Hannah is a model of full reliance on God for her provision. Her heart's desire was to have a child to remove the shame she felt in barrenness. She promised God that she would dedicate this child to the Lord for His service and as she brings him in dedication she offers a beautiful prayer giving glory to God. She acknowledges God's omnipotence and His lovingkindness toward those who look to Him. She also is aware of the judgement in store for those who hold themselves against God and depend on their own strength and wisdom. It is such a beautiful prayer full of content, we could spend several posts just on it. If you have not read Hannah's prayer, you can find it in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. 

Eli's wicked sons are a stark contrast to Hannah. They are charged with serving the Lord and despise their position. They abuse their powers and defy God's instructions. They treated the offerings brought by the people with great contempt. They also defiled their own bodies taking the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. These young men refused correction human or Divine and brought judgment upon themselves. 

Eli questioned his sons and rebuked their actions but did nothing to prevent their sins. Eli receives a warning from a prophet chastising him for his failure to keep there offering to the Lord holy and using it to benefit his family rather than to worship the Lord. Eli allowed his sons to treat God with contempt. Though he counseled them he did nothing to stop the display of contempt and being both the father of these wicked boys and the High  priest he had a double responsibility for their conduct. Those in authority who will not assume responsibility, are just as guilty as those who engage in misconduct under their authority. 

In the midst of each of these stories, there is an interjection that Samuel the boy is growing both physically and spiritually.  He is being raised up for God's purpose which we will see in future chapters. 

While I would like to say I am like Hannah, I know that far too often my faith has failed and I have not looked to the Lord for my provision. While I would like to say I am not like the wicked sons, I know my holy times with the Lord in prayer and study are far too often neglected or not had my full attention. While I would like to say that I don't turn a blind eye to sin as Eli did, I know I live in a wicked world in which sin regularly transpires all around me and I have failed to give warning or to guard against the creeping influences in my life. I read this chapter and realize that I do love the Lord, but far too often my actions fail to show His place in my life. My witness is hindered when I don't try to intervene against sin in my life or in the lives of those who are given to me by God for witness. The thing is, I can't even change myself for the better. It is humbling, but I must recognize daily that I am a poor and needy sinner and I desperately need God's help. 

I want to run this race of life well and be a good and faithful servant. Today I begin by asking for a measure of the Lord's strength and wisdom for the day. I ask Hom to go before me and to lead me as I serve Him. Will you join me in looking to the Lord for our provision, turning away from sin in our lives and to witness well of the Lord's lovingkindness to those who are in our sphere of influence?  

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him.