Proverbs 16:25 King James Version (KJV)
25 There is a way that seemeth
right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death
Recently, I came across the story of Eli and
his sons Hophni and Phinehas the story can be found in 1 Samuel 2:12-36. Eli
was a high priest whose role was to serve and minister to God and man. To have
compassion, plead for the sins of the congregation and for himself. The high
priest was to be in right standing with God.
5 For every
high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to
God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
2 Who can have compassion on
the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is
compassed with infirmity.
3 And by reason hereof he
ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.
4 And no man taketh this
honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. Hebrews 5:1-4
Eli’s
sons were wicked and a lot of this was due to their father. Eli over indulged
his sons and in doing so fed their habit of rebellion
“Eli was an indulgent father. Loving peace and
ease, he did not exercise his authority to correct the evil habits and passions
of his children. Rather than contend with them or punish them, he would submit
to their will and give them their own way…they had no proper appreciation of
the character of God or of the sacredness of His law.”- White, 1890 p.575
For
those who do not have children ask yourself the following are there habits that
I am feeding that would encourage me to disregard the sacredness of God Law?
The
habits which are formed during infancy will become developed in adulthood.
However, in relation to bad habits that have been cultivated do not fret they
can be unlearned! You must be willing to unlearn these habits and believe that
by the grace of God an improved you is possible with Christ!
“I am the vine, ye are the
branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much
fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5
When we fall we are to recommit ourselves to God alone in that very
moment. For we cannot do anything without him. Make it your desire to devote
yourself to his service. “Devote
your mental and physical powers to the service of your Redeemer, who has bought
you. Sanctify your thoughts and feelings that all your works may be wrought in
God.” White, 1952 p.53
If we go back and look at Eli it can be said Eli did not recommit
himself to God. He did not fill the requirements of a high priest. His refusal
to wholly commit himself to the service of God and to the development of his
sons resulted in them being lost.
Warnings were sent to the house of Eli but no
changes were made. (read 1 Samuel 2:27-36, 1 Samuel 3:11-21 & 1 Samuel 4:11).
When God sends us, warnings may we not harden our heart nor ignore the Holy
Spirit
“7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if
ye will hear his voice,
8 Harden not your hearts, as in the
provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness” Hebrews 3:7&8
When we come to a realisation of our wrong, regardless of the size of
the conviction we are to devote ourselves to God there and then. The longer we dwell in a sin the more difficult it
will become to overcome.
“It is by sinful
indulgence that men give Satan access to their minds, and they go from one
stage of wickedness to another. The rejection of light darkens the
mind and hardens the
heart, so that it is easier for them to take the next step in sin and to reject
still clearer light, until at last their habits of wrongdoing become fixed. Sin ceases
to appear sinful to them”
White, 1890. p404
If
Eli had acknowledged his sin and his obligation to mould the character of his
children sooner their life may have taken a different course. When we come to a
realisation of our wrong and do not hesitate to reconcile with Christ how much
better would our lives be?!
References
White , 1890 'Patriarchs and Prophets' p 575
White, 1952 'Adventist Home'
Read more of my posts References
White , 1890 'Patriarchs and Prophets' p 575
White, 1952 'Adventist Home'
A Lesson I learnt from my Mother
Words from a Wise Women
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