ELI
Eli was one of the Old Testament priests with a modern problem. The recognition and respect he earned in public did not extend to the handling of his private affairs. He may have been an excellent priest, but a poor parent. His son brought him grief and ruin. He lacked two important qualities needed for effective parental discipline: firm resolve and corrective action.
Eli responded to the situation rather than solving them but even his responses tendered to be weak. God pointed out his son’s error, but Eli did little to correct them. The contrast between God dealing with Eli and Eli’s dealing with his sons is clear- God gave warnings, spelled out consequences and disobedience, and then acted. Eli was only warned. Children need to learn that their parent’s words and actions go together. Both love and discipline must be spoken as well as acted out.
But Eli had another problem. He was more concerned with the symbols of his religion than with God they represented. For Eli, the ark of the covenant had become a relic to be protected rather than a reminder of the protector. His faith shifted from the creator to the created.
It may be easier to worship things we can see, whether buildings, people, or scripture itself, but such tangible things have no power in themselves. The bible is either merely a respectable religions relic or it is the sharp and effective Word of God. Your attitudes towards it are largely shaped by your relationship to God from whom it comes. A relic or antique has to be carefully stored away, God’s word has to be used and obeyed. Which attitudes accurately describes your approach to the Word of God?
Strength and Accomplishment:
– Judge Israel for 40 years
– Spoke with Hannah, the mother of Samuel the greatest judge in Israel.
– Reared and trained Samuel, the greatest judge in Israel
Weakness and Mistakes:
– Failed to discipline and correct his sons when they sinned.
– Tended to react to situations rather than take decisive action
– Saw the Ark of the covenant as a relic to be cherished, rather than as a symbol of God’s Presence in Israel.
Lessons from His Life:
– Parents need to discipline their children responsibly.
– Life is more than simply reacting, it demands action.
– Past victories cannot substitute for present trust.
Key Verses: ‘’ And the LORD said to Samuel, behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. In that day, I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house; when I begin, I will also make an end. For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli that, the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering forever’’ (1samuel 3: 11-14).