Read: 1 Samuel 2:22-4:22; John 5:24-47; Psalm 106:1-12; Proverbs 14:30-31
How sad to read: “It was the Lord’s will to put Hophni and Phinehas to death.” But while God was judging them for their sin, he was blessing Samuel for his obedience. Samuel was growing in the natural and in the spiritual.
God sent a prophet to Eli to tell him that because he honored his own sons more than God’s altar, God was going to cut his family line short. None of his line would live to be old and his two sons would die on the same day. God would raise up an anointed man to take his place. This man would be Samuel who was living in his very house. Eli was able to witness God speaking to Samuel and mentor him in hearing God’s voice even when what he heard was for Eli.
Everything that the prophet and Samuel said happened. Hophni and Phinehas were both killed on the same day and the ark of the Lord was taken by the Philistines after a heavy defeat. God had told Israel that He would not fight for them any more and he proved it on this day.
In John, Jesus explained eternal life was for all who heard his voice and believed in him. In him is resurrection power. He went on to teach them that he was more important than Moses and John because they were just leaders to lead the people to Him.
Lord, help us to believe your Word and honor You above all.
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