A Spiritual Calling
(1 Sam 2:29) Why do you scorn my sacrifice and offering that I prescribed for my dwelling? Why do you honor your sons more than me by fattening yourselves on the choice parts of every offering made by my people Israel?'
(1 Sam 2:25) If a man sins against another man, God may mediate for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?" His sons, however, did not listen to their father's rebuke, for it was the Lord's will to put them to death.
(1 Sam 3:12-14) 12At that time I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family--from beginning to end. 13For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons made themselves contemptible, and he failed to restrain them. 14Therefore, I swore to the house of Eli, 'The guilt of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.'"
I am forced to contemplate my own use of God’s resources. I hope that I would never be involved in the grievous sins of Hophni and Phinehas; extortion against worshipers, stealing their meat before they could sacrifice it and sleeping with women trying to give themselves to the Lord (or any women besides my wife). However, I still see how serious a sin God considers it to use any spiritual position or trust God has given to take advantage of others influenced by our words and actions.
Eli’s words are so wise in 2:25. Especially hopeless is a priest, who serves as a kind of mediator between men and God and offends God. Thankfully, today we have Christ as a mediator who will never extort, mislead, or take advantage for personal gain. So, should those who minister before the lord in a specific way still be held to a higher standard? (Luke 12:48, James 3:1) Yes! We are also only human, but God takes very seriously the actions of those who have spiritual influence.
Eugene Peterson wrote, “Culture has a fairly high regard for pastors as custodians of moral order.” If there is a large contrast between the message and the messenger, the message will be rendered null and void. How tragic if messengers of God’s word portray His message void! If we are going to preach it and teach it, we should live it. I fear some are afraid to proclaim the radical life of Christ because they are not willing to live it out. Is this me?
Intimidating? Yes! Paul asked, “…who is equal to such a task? (2 Cor. 2:16b) Then, he answers his own rhetorical question a few verses later, “...but our competence comes from God.” (2 Cor. 3:5b) If God has called you to this, He will give you what you need to accomplish His purpose. He will give you the tools to live the message He wants proclaimed. Albeit not perfectly, but consistent enough as to enhance the message and not hinder it. He asks for a willing servant.
What a commentary that the sins of Hophni and Phinehas were so heinous before God that He proclaimed, “Therefore, I swore to the house of Eli, 'The guilt of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.'" (1 Sam. 3:14) God will fight for His own, even if we are the ones in the way.
May all those given a spiritual calling in any capacity take that task seriously. Ministers, parents, elders, teachers, deacons, older siblings – all Christians have been given this calling. “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” (1 Peter 1:15)
God bless you in your calling.
(1 Sam 2:25) If a man sins against another man, God may mediate for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?" His sons, however, did not listen to their father's rebuke, for it was the Lord's will to put them to death.
(1 Sam 3:12-14) 12At that time I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family--from beginning to end. 13For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons made themselves contemptible, and he failed to restrain them. 14Therefore, I swore to the house of Eli, 'The guilt of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.'"
I am forced to contemplate my own use of God’s resources. I hope that I would never be involved in the grievous sins of Hophni and Phinehas; extortion against worshipers, stealing their meat before they could sacrifice it and sleeping with women trying to give themselves to the Lord (or any women besides my wife). However, I still see how serious a sin God considers it to use any spiritual position or trust God has given to take advantage of others influenced by our words and actions.
Eli’s words are so wise in 2:25. Especially hopeless is a priest, who serves as a kind of mediator between men and God and offends God. Thankfully, today we have Christ as a mediator who will never extort, mislead, or take advantage for personal gain. So, should those who minister before the lord in a specific way still be held to a higher standard? (Luke 12:48, James 3:1) Yes! We are also only human, but God takes very seriously the actions of those who have spiritual influence.
Eugene Peterson wrote, “Culture has a fairly high regard for pastors as custodians of moral order.” If there is a large contrast between the message and the messenger, the message will be rendered null and void. How tragic if messengers of God’s word portray His message void! If we are going to preach it and teach it, we should live it. I fear some are afraid to proclaim the radical life of Christ because they are not willing to live it out. Is this me?
Intimidating? Yes! Paul asked, “…who is equal to such a task? (2 Cor. 2:16b) Then, he answers his own rhetorical question a few verses later, “...but our competence comes from God.” (2 Cor. 3:5b) If God has called you to this, He will give you what you need to accomplish His purpose. He will give you the tools to live the message He wants proclaimed. Albeit not perfectly, but consistent enough as to enhance the message and not hinder it. He asks for a willing servant.
What a commentary that the sins of Hophni and Phinehas were so heinous before God that He proclaimed, “Therefore, I swore to the house of Eli, 'The guilt of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.'" (1 Sam. 3:14) God will fight for His own, even if we are the ones in the way.
May all those given a spiritual calling in any capacity take that task seriously. Ministers, parents, elders, teachers, deacons, older siblings – all Christians have been given this calling. “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” (1 Peter 1:15)
God bless you in your calling.
posted by Daniel Cherry at 7:38 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home