“And what happens to your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, will be a sign to you—they will both die on the same day. 35 I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. I will firmly establish his priestly house, and they will minister before my anointed one always. 36 Then everyone left in your family line will come and bow down before him for a piece of silver and a loaf of bread and plead, “Appoint me to some priestly office so I can have food to eat.”’ ! Samuel 2.34-36Here is the edited version of your text with corrected spelling and grammar:
God’s ways are higher than our ways. When God makes the rules, He can make the decisions. It reminds me of when the summer intern tries to tell the CEO what to do. Can you imagine? It just doesn’t work out too well!
Some might argue that God is unfair in how He treated Eli and his sons. “Give them another chance,” we might say. Or, “They deserve better than they are being treated.” But again, those who make the rules get to determine the outcome of the game. And it’s not like God didn’t give them a warning. He said, “Do this, and you will prosper; don’t do this, and you will suffer.” A loving God sets the parameters and gives humanity a choice. Eli and his sons chose poorly, and they were facing the consequences of their actions.
As a result, God makes a new promise. “I will raise up for myself a faithful priest,” He says. In contrast to how Eli has become, and because of the evil of his sons, God would raise up another. Eli’s household would die and suffer shame, but God, who is the CEO of the Universe, would make a way. He would raise up the young man who was already serving in the tabernacle—Samuel, the son of Hannah.
It’s unfortunate when we don’t listen to the Lord. When we struggle in our own sin, choose our own way, give in to the flesh, and disobey God, we will face the consequences. But if we love the Lord, seek His face, and serve His name, we will be filled with abundance, love, and blessing.
Now, we are all sinners, but let’s be those who are moving toward sanctification. Let us walk in step with the Spirit and find strength and grace in His name. Let’s turn away from our own waywardness and toward a God who loves us too much to leave us in our sin.
“O Lord God, it’s a lesson for us all! We must put our faith, hope, and trust in Christ. We cannot go our own way or entertain the evils of this world. We must put on God’s armor and seek Him wholly and fully. We must be the people He has called us to be. Come now, Holy Spirit, protect us with Your power. Shield us with Your love. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen