God’s Plans Transcend Man’s Corruption
Text: 1 Samuel 2:12-36
“Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man.” —1 Samuel 2:26
The classic Raiders of the Lost Ark movie is an epic tale set in 1936, as archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before Adolf Hitler’s Nazis can obtain it and weaponize it for world domination. In the film, the Nazi intention to use the “sacred” as a weapon was something akin to what Hophni and Phinehas were doing in the Old Testament.
As we continue our devotional series in 1 Samuel, we meet some PKs (preacher’s kids) who went off the rails in a really bad way. The Bible actually calls these sons of Eli “worthless men,” who did not know the Lord (though they served in a priestly office). Hophni and Phinehas had no regard for the things of God or the welfare of God’s people. They were counterfeit priests full of greed, self-serving scoundrels, who did not hesitate to use the threat of violence to get whatever they wanted. They were so brazen in their contempt for the sacred that they openly practiced sexual immorality at the tabernacle.
God rebuked Eli for “honoring his sons above the Lord” and allowing them to continue in their parade of desecration. “Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever,’ but now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.’” (1 Samuel 2:30)
Imminent judgment was coming upon Eli’s house and his wicked sons for their rebellion, yet God assured Eli, “I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. And I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed forever.” This promise was partially fulfilled in Samuel as he functioned as a godly priest, replacing the sons of Eli. It was also partially fulfilled in Zadok, as he replaced Eli’s family line in the priesthood during the days of Solomon. But the promise was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as He became “a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek”—a sinless and perfect Priest who lives eternally to make intercession for us every day (Hebrews 7:12-25).
Corrupt and counterfeit religious leaders may still abound in our times, weaponizing the sacred for greedy and personal gain, but their un-priestly conduct in a priestly office will never hinder or thwart the progress of Christ’s eternal reign. Wherever there are crooked men like Eli’s sons, God has a Samuel on the horizon. I love this brief little distinction that is placed right in the middle of the story about these counterfeit priests: “Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man” (1 Samuel 2:26). What a distinction! As we read about last week, Hannah was a prayerful mother and a devoted worshiper who dedicated her child to the Lord, and it was paying off.
No matter how dark things may appear in the world today, God is still raising up young “Samuels” all around us—young people who live unashamedly for the Lord in a manner that is in stark contrast to the depravity of this generation. As prophesied in Joel 2:28… “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.” Yes, God is till raising them up, little boys and little girls, to audaciously proclaim the kingdom of God and hail the power of Jesus’ name in a world of desecration. Be encouraged by that as you seek to abide in Him this week.
PRAYER
Almighty God, your presence is still sacred to us. Your holiness is still dear to us. Holy Spirit, consecrate our hearts to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Mark us with the distinction of Christ… that we will continually grow in the stature and favor of our God in godless times—to be your witness, and for your glory alone, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Questions for personal reflection, small group discussion, or dinner table conversations:
- What sins are particularly abhorrent when committed by religious leaders?
- How does the passage describe Eli’s sons? (1 Samuel 2:12)How were the priests claiming more than their share of the people’s sacrifices? (vv13-15) If anyone sought to argue with them, how did the servants of the priests respond? (v16)
- How did God propose to remedy the tragic situation in His house? (v35)
- What characterized Samuel’s childhood years? (v26) In what ways should followers of Christ be characterized distinctly from those who do not know Jesus?
- What can you do this week to position yourself to grow both “in stature and in favor with the Lord” and also with man?
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