Daily Devotion, February 1, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Samuel 2:22-26.

Proverbs 22:1 from The Message says, “A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.”

Eli’s sons and Samuel all grew up being guided by Eli. But the choices they each made about how to live their lives, and the reputations they earned, were radically different. Eli’s sons did not listen to their father’s instructions and Samuel, “continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with man.” I Samuel 2:26.

Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, disregarded everything that their father had instructed them to do. They brought harm to others and they considered themselves privileged in such a way that they were “treating the Lord’s offering with contempt.” I Samuel 2:17. The two sons were sinning against the people and against God. They were placing themselves above God and above everyone else. And their self-seeking reputation is known to this day.

In comparison, young Samuel, son of Hannah and Elkanah, was sincere in his reverence and service unto God. And in the third chapter, we read of the story of God’s call unto Samuel to become a trustworthy servant of the Lord.

In Luke's gospel we see reflections from the first two chapters of I Samuel, from Hannah’s song to Mary’s song and from the description of Samuel to the description of Jesus. Luke 2:52, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

Eli’s sons were placing their security and trust in their own pursuits to seek their own wants first. They were living completely opposite to God’s instruction for their lives. Samuel placed his security and trust in God and would seek God’s wants first.

Personal Worship Option:

Jesus came to teach us by his words and example, to “seek first the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness…” Matthew 6:33a. Hophni and Phinehas knew God’s instruction but didn’t follow it. Samuel listened for God’s instruction and also followed it. And that made all the difference. Dear God, help us to listen and to also follow as You lead us. Amen.