“Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 23 So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours. 24 No, my sons; the report I hear spreading among the Lord’s people is not good. 25 If one person sins against another, God[d] may mediate for the offender; but if anyone sins against the Lord, who will intercede for them?” His sons, however, did not listen to their father’s rebuke, for it was the Lord’s will to put them to death. 26 And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people.” 1 Samuel 2.22-26
When I think of comparisons, I typically think of siblings. Whether they want to be or not, they are always compared to one another. The older is typically thought of as more responsible and “type A,” whereas the younger is often more carefree and unhindered by rules and guidelines. I love reading birth order books to learn more about how this affects personality, actions, and behavior.
Today, our comparison is not with blood siblings but with the sons of Eli versus the son of Elkanah. Both were sons of the Lord, with the potential for great things. While Samuel is serving the Lord in the tabernacle, the sons of Eli are sleeping with the women who serve in the house of the Lord. One son is pursuing holiness and righteousness, while the others are giving in to every whim and desire of the flesh. This could also serve as a symbol of Israel as God’s chosen child and the rest of the nations. One chooses God, and the others oppose the Lord and His purposes.
Yet in the midst of this, the Lord is working. I have no doubt that at one point, He desired for Eli’s sons to know and love Him, but now “it was the Lord’s will to put them to death.” This might seem harsh, but it was their behavior that chose sin over salvation. Meanwhile, the young boy Samuel “continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people.”
Let’s get real—sin is tempting. Satisfying the flesh feels good. Filling that emptiness with whatever we can stuff inside our bodies seems like a good fix at the time. But in truth, destruction always follows. The best course of action is to repent and believe the Good News of the Lord. To know that His way is best and that submitting to the Lordship of Jesus is the only path to true meaning and life.
While Eli’s sons were running down a road to personal self-destruction, Samuel’s path would lead him to impact God’s kingdom for all eternity.
Will you choose holiness? Discipline your mind, set your sights on God’s best for you, and let your reward be eternal. “Seek the Lord while you can find Him. Call on Him now while He is near,” Isaiah 55:6.
“O Lord God, you are faithful, and you have ordained my steps. Each day is a gift from you. Even as this life is fleeting, I am so thankful that I can walk through it with you. Help me obey your word, discipline my mind, and set my heart on things above. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power and life. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen