Reading for today
Old Testament: 1 Samuel 2, 3, 4
New Testament: John 12
Thoughts from today’s reading
1 Samuel 2:22-31. Eli the priest spoke to his sons about their actions, but they did not listen to him. Then God sent a messenger to tell him that he honoured his sons more than God. He also spoke to Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:13 that Eli did not restrain his sons from their behaviour.
Talking about an issue that is wrong does not necessarily mean that there is a resolve to deal with that issue. Eli was the high priest and was in a position of authority to remove his sons from their office if they did not change. He seemed to tolerate their actions even though he spoke against them.
John 12:23-26. A life that will be fruitful and honoured by God is one that follows His will to the point of total self denial which culminates in death. There is something we have which like seed needs to be buried in the ground of God’s will. Our relationships, career, finances, fleshly needs and so much more must be willingly given up so we can take on what God desires. Only in this process of truly loosing our life to Him do we truly find it and all the fulfilment we desire.
Prayer
1. Lord, help me to truly deal with the wrong that I have seen with myself and those in my sphere of influence in a way that honours you above men and even myself. May I not condone sin by ignoring it, being passive about it, or highlighting it with no resolve for a change. I receive strength from you to do this in Jesus’ name.
2. Lord Jesus you said that only when we lose our lives for your sake do we really find it. May our experience of trusting you as our Lord and saviour be characterised by this way of living. Let the Holy Spirit help us to yield our lives daily to you and may we be conformed to your death in obedience so that the resurrection life can flow freely in us.