Growing up in a Christian home and living among the community of church does not guarantee the Christlike Character. The Encounter with Jesus Christ, Repentance & Reconciliation with God as well as Contentment in Following Jesus, does produce a character that pleases God.
The last few days were quite difficult for us as a family. But God stood with us. We experienced great love from Gods people, especially from our own God fearing families and friends near and far, who assured us of prayers and support through their presence, helped us with food, and even phone calls and messages. We could experience the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ through their presence, words and even silence.
“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. So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours. No, my sons; the report I hear spreading among the Lord’s people is not good. If one person sins against another, God 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.”
1 Samuel 2:22-25 NIV
Eli was the last man standing who knew the heart and ways of God, but also he stood as a helpless priest and father. He was helpless and torn between being a man of God and the father of his scoundrel sons. His fatherly love blinded his heart to see how his sons were displaying the Character of Rebellion in the context of God’s Temple.
1. The Character of a Rebellion – The first category of people is of the Me-Characters. They are the Self glorified and credit seekers. Sons of Eli. – Their stomach and their body is their god. They committed sin with the women at the temple. They committed sin at the altar with offering people brought before God. Absolutely, they were on to a disastrous destiny and that’s what happened with them.
2. The Character of an Opportunist – these are categorised as Blind with Eyes. Their eyes and heart has not connection. Eli, the Priest – Knowing the Word and standards of God, yet keeping silent over it, is displeasing to God. Priestly calling is not to fill their stomach with choicest food and demanding unnecessary favours. But it is a calling to show the Light of World to the people around and draw the people towards God with humility. Eli failed both in priestly duties and parenting.
3. The Character of an Anointed: These are the men and women after the heart of God. Samuel was born out of Gods promise, Eli pronounced to Hannah. Samuel grew up in the context of wickedness and sinfulness among Gods people yet found blameless in the sight of God. He not only guided people away from sin but directed Gods people to God.
Law of God – The Book of Deuteronomy is a book of guidance on what to do and not to do. While the Book of Leviticus guides on how to live in the context of Wickedness. None of us are perfect. But God calls us today to return to Him, seek His Godliness and build our Characters into a Christlike Characters.
“You must be blameless before the Lord your God.”
Deuteronomy 18:13 NIV
Amen 🙏