Shocking Ignorance!

I love reading the story of the early life of Samuel. I had the opportunity to read it again yesterday morning. He had parents (Elkanah and Hannah) who were faithful in their worship to God. Longing for a child, on their annual journey to worship and offer a sacrifice at Shiloh ( 1 Samuel 1:3), Hannah prayed to the One SHE KNEW could grant her request for a son. If God would grant her wish she was even willing to commit him to the service of the Lord. (1:11) When Eli the priest saw her lips moving but heard nothing, he thought she had been drinking and rebuked her. (1:12-14) However, after Hannah explained how she had been actually pouring her soul out before the Lord (1:15-16) Eli told her, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” (1:17) Then the Scriptures tell us Hannah’s face was no longer sad. (1:18) Eli’s words seem to have encouraged her FAITH IN GOD to fulfill the request. When Samuel was born, his mother was faithful to her promise and he entered the service of assisting Eli and his sons (Hophni and Phinehas) and Samuel eventually became known among the people as a prophet of God. (3:20)

Though we may enjoy the story of Samuel there was another story line unfolding at this time; a story of a rather sad nature having to do with the character of the spiritual leadership at this time. Eli’s sons were not carrying out their priestly duties with the dignity and holiness God had commanded. (read 2:13-17 and 22-25) What was at the root of their wickedness?

We read…
“Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. THEY DID NOT KNOW THE LORD.” ( 1 Samuel 2:12 ESV)

A sad reality is how it is possible to be involved in all kinds of “religious” activities without truly KNOWING THE LORD. Just as that was true during the days of Samuel it is also true today. If GOD IS TRULY KNOWN He will be responded to in reverence and fear as the Sovereign who holds eternity in His hands. For all God’s guidance and gracious provision He will be responded to in loving obedience. And to KNOW HIM is to trust in Him to sustain us through the challenges of life.

In referring to KNOWING OUR LORD, John wrote…
“(3) And by this we KNOW THAT WE HAVE COME TO KNOW him, if we KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. (4) Whoever says ‘I KNOW HIM’ but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, (5) but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: (6) whoever says he abides in him OUGHT TO WALK IN THE SAME WAY IN WHICH HE WALKED.” ( 1 John 2:3-6 ESV)

Some speak lies while others live them. What about us? Do we truly KNOW GOD? That doesn’t mean we know everything about God, but reflects we have a proper view toward Him and a right relationship with Him. Do we truly KNOW THE LORD JESUS? TO KNOW HIM is to obey Him and strive to continually walk as He walked. May this TRUE KNOWLEDGE be made clearly evident in our daily life.

Have a great day WITH GOD’S LOVE BEING PERFECTED IN US!
Carl

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