I have a confession to make. I actually wrote this early on April 24th but we were in Ohio and I was unable to post it. So I am posting it a day late with today’s date.
My title is Following vs Disobedience.
I began reading I Samuel several days ago. I have read it before, of course, but a slower read has highlighted a few things. I’m going to put them under the banner of Following vs Disobedience.
The life of Samuel begins with his mother’s (Hannah) empty womb and cry to God recorded in I Samuel 1:11. There is no question Elkanah, her husband loved her and semi-understood. While at the temple Eli saw her and thought she was drunk. When Hannah told him she wasn’t, Eli told her whatever was on her heart would come true. (1:17)
Her life was one of obedience:
- Committing to and keeping her vow of purity (no strong drink).
- When Samuel was old enough, she brought him to the Eli at the temple. (1:24-25)
- Hannah tells Eli who she is and her promise. (1:26-28)
Samuel’s life was one of obedience:
- His call- “Speak for your servant hears” were the words Eli told him to say.
- His growth is noted as “Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and with man. (2:26) Note: Those sound an awful lot like those describing Jesus in Luke 2:52.
Disobedience:
- Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were evil and worthless men (2:12). They were abusing their place as priests when observing the sacrifices, as well as unacceptable behavior.
- They despised their father’s words of rebuke. (2:25b)
- They were slain along with the capture of the ark. (4:11)
That begs a question: which am I? Would Samuel’s life be an example of mine or would Eli’s sons? I know which one I would choose.
“Father, the choice is easy to make…on paper. It is another thing to live it. May I choose to follow you and not be disobedient to your call on my life…no matter where it may take me.”
Choosing obedience seems like the difficult choice at the time, but my life has taught me that it is always the best choice and actually makes my life easier, in the long run.
I like the comparison you found in this account, Bill. I will have to share it with Dick. (Good sermon ideas are always welcome!)
You’re right Pam. Choosing obedience is not the easy choice but it is the right choice. And thanks for the kind words about what I wrote. Maybe Dick can use them. 🙂
“easy to make…on paper. it is another thing to live it”
to steal from the words of Paul
Romans 7:19 – “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.”
Exactly what you write.
Bill, I like how you tied the description of Samuel as he grew up in the Lord to that of Jesus. Isn’t it amazing how the OT ties in with the NT so seamlessly at times!
Yes, may be all actively, not just on paper, choose to be obedient to God, no matter what comes our way.
Blessings!
That really struck me Martha. And yes, it is amazing how the OT ties in with the New. Agree on your statement also about choosing obedience.
Your prayer is my prayer.
Amen!
Eek! That is a serious question. We like to think we’re much better than those folks around us and certainly the ones the Good Book tell us about, but our actions betray many of us.
Thanks for the heart prying post.
That it is Floyd and one highlighted by your statement of looking around at others to see how they are doing. It is not about them. It is us. Thanks for the comment.