Listen to Audio Devotion

“So Yahweh said to Samuel, “Look, I am doing something in Israel which will cause the two ears of everyone who hears it to tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken against his household, from beginning to end. I will make him know that I am about to judge his household forever because of the iniquity that he knew, for his sons were bringing curses on themselves, but he did not rebuke them.” (1 Samuel 3:11–13, LEB) This narrative of Eli in the Old Testament is a powerful example of God’s judgment. Eli served as a judge and priest in Israel and was, on the whole, a devout guy. However, his sons were corrupt and defiled the house of God. While Eli rebuked them, he did not completely restrain them from their actions. That’s when God spoke to Samuel that He will judge Eli’s family.

When Eli found out what God revealed to Samuel, the way he dealt with the knowledge of his judgment was so profound. I wish we could say something like this. He says, “He is Yahweh, he will do what is good in his sight.” (1 Samuel 3:18, LEB)

Eli could respond this way to what he heard because he knew the God from whom he received this message. I don’t know if we can say that statement irrespective of the highs and lows of our life. Let our hearts cry be like Job. Let us mean it when we sing this popular song, “You give and take away, my heart will choose to say, blessed be your name.”

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, help us to know You so deeply that our understanding of You won’t change according to your judgment in our lives. You are God and you do what is good in your sight. This is comforting Lord. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.