Control - When I Make Poor Choices - 1 Samuel 8 and 12 - June 27, 2010

Bible Study – Control – When I Make Poor Choices – June 27, 2010

This is the final lesson in our series “God Is Still in Control.”

Our scripture is 1 Samuel 8:6-9; 12:13-25.

When I make poor choices, GOD is still in control. That is a profound but true statement. GOD allows HIS children to make poor choices to help them grow and mature in HIM. This was true in the lives of the Israelites. This is a transition lesson in the journey of the Israelites from the rule of judges to the rule of a king. This transition sets up the ultimately transition from GOD ruling from the outside of HIS people’s lives to ruling from the inside of their lives though faith in CHRIST and the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT. This has been GOD’S plan from the beginning; CHRIST ruling the hearts and lives of all who accept HIM as their SAVIOR and LORD through the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT.

The Israelites wanted a king to rule them.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 8:6-9:
6 When they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” Samuel considered their demand sinful, so he prayed to the Lord. 7 But the Lord told him, “Listen to the people and everything they say to you. They have not rejected you; they have rejected Me as their king. 8 They are doing the same thing to you that they have done to Me,[4] LXX; MT omits to Me since the day I brought them out of Egypt until this day, abandoning Me and worshiping other gods. 9 Listen to them, but you must solemnly warn them and tell them about the rights of the king who will rule over them.”

Samuel had led the Israelites to victory and they had recaptured much of the territory they had lost to the Philistines under the leadership of Samuel. Yet, the Israelites wanted a king. Samuel considered their request sinful. Some think that Samuel allowed his ego to get in his way which resulted in this outburst. After all he had led the Israelites to victory so why did they want a king to led them? Of course, Samuel had it right. It was sinful and GOD put it in proper perspective for Samuel. “They are not rejecting you, they are rejecting ME.”

Did the Israelites want to be like everyone else who had a king as their national figure? Were they seeking to distance themselves from GOD by having a king between them and GOD? Were they looking for someone else to be accountable to GOD besides each of them as a nation? I am inclined to believe they did not want to be accountable to GOD. Samuel held them accountable to GOD but if they had a king, the king would be accountable to GOD and they could live as they choose, of course within reason “wink, wink.”

GOD knew the hearts of these people and told Samuel about how they rejected HIM, even in the midst of mighty miracles when HE was delivering them from Egyptian bondage and slavery. Some people just cannot cut it when hard times come. They blame everything on GOD. Yet GOD was trying to guide them to the Promised Land. Was it difficult? Yes. GOD never said it would be easy. When we face difficulties in life, it is often darkest before dawn. Just know that GOD never forsakes HIS children or abandons them in the midst of a storm.

The point GOD was making was simple, HE was not through leading the Israelites. The problem was, they were through with HIM as their leader. Yet, HE still had a plan for them. As Christians we do the same thing. We get tired of following GOD. It becomes mundane. We become restless and want something different. So we choose to go our own way and it leads to trouble. Why does GOD allow us to do that? Simply, it is to teach us a lesson. GOD did not make us robots. All Christians have freedom of choice just as the Israelites. Who do we choose to lead us – the HOLY SPIRIT, the flesh, the crowd, our habits or any number of other things?

When I have asked people if they were Christians, most say yes. I ask them where they attend church. Many times the answer is, “Well, I used to go to church but I had a falling out with so-and-so and I don’t go anywhere.”

That says it all. They were looking for an excuse to drop out of church. The church is brick and mortar and subject to many frailties. If your heart is right before the LORD, then you will have the desire to seek Christian fellowship and spiritual growth and maturity. Often many Christians walk around looking for an excuse to stop serving CHRIST. Do not allow that to happen to you. Satan wins and you lose.

GOD challenged Samuel to tell the Israelites what they would be forfeiting if they had a king. When you choose to stop following the leadership of the HOLY SPIRIT in your life you choose to follow another. WHO has your best interest in mind? GOD!!! And never forget that. And even when you think you have escaped GOD, HE is still in control.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 12:13-19:
13 “Now here is the king you’ve chosen, the one you requested. Look, this is the king the Lord has placed over you. 14 If you • fear the Lord, worship and obey Him, and if you don’t rebel against the Lord’s command, then both you and the king who rules over you will follow the Lord your God. 15 However, if you disobey the Lord and rebel against His command, the Lord’s hand will be against you and against your ancestors.[20] LXX reads your king [21] Lv 26:14–33; Jos 24:14–27 16 “Now, therefore, present yourselves and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes.[22] Ex 14:13 17 Isn’t the wheat harvest today? I will call on the Lord and He will send thunder and rain, so that you will know and see what a great evil you committed in the Lord’s sight by requesting a king for yourselves.” 18 Samuel called on the Lord, and on that day the Lord sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel.[23] Ex 9:23–25,31; 1 Kg 18:37–39; Pr 26:1 19 They pleaded with Samuel, “Pray to the Lord your God for your servants, so we won’t die! For we have added to all our sins the evil of requesting a king for ourselves.”

We fast forwarded to after King Saul has been chosen by GOD to be king. Notice that GOD is still in control. HE chose Saul who would serve until David became king.
Notice that even when you are chosen by GOD, things are not easy. Poor David had an awful time. This is why GOD gave us these stories in HIS Word to show that walking with HIM and serving HIM is not for wimps but to trust HIM to the conclusion.

GOD made it clear that if both the people and Saul committed their lives to HIM, they would do well. However, if they did not, then they would learn that GOD would be against them. They thought they had escaped being accountable to GOD. But they just made it more complicated because if the king led one way and GOD led another, who would they follow? They had only one choice as far as GOD was concerned, they must follow GOD.

Samuel reminded the Israelites that they had sinned by asking for a king. However, GOD was and will always be their king. To confirm that they had made the wrong choice by asking for a king, GOD would demonstrate that HE was still in control. If HE was still in control, the Israelites needed to obediently serve HIM. GOD demonstrated HIS power and authority through thunder and rain.

Let’s pause for a minute. The people had requested a king. Samuel told them it was a sin but GOD told Samuel to grant their request. The fact that their quest for a king went forward, the people did not reconsider their request. GOD granted it. GOD chose their king. Just because GOD grants us what we request does not mean we have asked for the right thing. So be very careful what you ask for, you might get it and it is wrong. Always know that HE is still in charge.

Samuel told the people that GOD would confirm that they had made the wrong request and they were still accountable to GOD. It was harvest time for wheat. Barley was harvested during April and May. Wheat was harvested in June. The rainy season came in October and November and February and March. So a rain in June was special and not a sign of good fortune. It was a sign that GOD was not pleased. So Samuel prayed and the rains came in June during peak harvest. The rains wet the wheat which made the wheat hard to cut, gather, bundle, haul the bundles off because it was wet and muddy. This was not a situation for praising GOD for HIS blessings but rather one of, “LORD why?”

The people knew that they had angered GOD. So they asked Samuel to pray to “his” GOD. Wow, they knew GOD had abandoned them or at least thought HE had. How did Samuel handle this situation? Let’s see.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 12: 20-25:
20 Samuel replied, “Don’t be afraid. Even though you have committed all this evil, don’t turn away from following the Lord. Instead, worship the Lord with all your heart. 21 Don’t turn away to follow worthless[24] LXX reads away after empty things that can’t profit or deliver you; they are worthless.[25] Isa 44:9–20; Jr 2:8,11; Hab 2:18 22 The Lord will not abandon His people,[26] Jos 7:9; Ezk 36:22–28 because of His great name and because He has determined to make you His own people.[27] Dt 7:6–9; 1 Pt 2:9 23 “As for me, I vow that I will not sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you.[28] 1 Sm 7:5–9; Nm 21:7; Rm 1:9–10 I will teach you the good and right way. 24 Above all, fear the Lord and worship Him faithfully with all your heart, considering the great things He has done for you.[29] Dt 10:21; Ps 103:2–14 25 However, if you continue to do what is evil, both you and your king will be swept away.”[30] 2 Kg 17:6–7

Samuel gave the Israelites assurance that GOD was full of grace. When you acknowledge your sin, repent and ask for forgiveness, GOD forgives. Proof that your heart has changed are your actions. Worship GOD, turn from those things you know HE hates and considers worthless. Know that GOD never abandons HIS children because HE holds the covenant HE made with HIS people as permanent.

When we study the Old Testament, it is replete with the assurance of GOD’S love and care for HIS chosen. As Christians, we have been saved by the precious blood of CHRIST and we are in covenant relationship with GOD through CHRIST. In fact, HE takes salvation one step further, as Christians we are born into the family of GOD through the miracle of rebirth. The new covenant relationship is through the shed blood of JESUS and that relationship results in son-ship or daughter-ship with GOD through HIM. Christians are GOD’S children. That is a permanent relationship.

Samuel promised the Israelites that he would pray for them. Samuel took prayer as a sacred responsibility because he represented GOD. Every Christian represents GOD to the world. Pray for the world, fors those who need salvation and as GOD leads you to pray. Praying for others carries a responsibility. Just as we have studied, the Israelites wanted a king but GOD was not ready for them to have a king. Yet, they wanted a king and GOD told Samuel to grant their request but also to let them know the consequences of their request. GOD may grant our request but the consequences of a request outside the will and purpose of GOD will forever loom over us. GOD told the Israelites that they must keep their eyes upon HIM, follow HIM and obey HIM and HE would guide them even though they wanted a king. Their responsibility to obediently serve HIM never changed.

But it is easy to forget. Seek GOD’S will first and seek the fullness of HIM in your lives and build an intimate relationship with HIM. When you are in relationship, you are always in HIS will. Always know that GOD is still in control, even when you make the wrong choices and when you least expect it. Blessings to all.

Control - When External Threats Come - 1 Samuel 7 - June 20, 2010

Bible Study – Control – When External Threats Come – June 20, 2010

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “God is Still in Control.”

Our scripture is 1 Samuel 7:2-17.

In our last lesson, the Philistines had defeated the Israelites. The Israelites wanted a sure victory over the Philistines so they decided to use the Ark as a good luck charm. They did not consult GOD. They took the Ark from Shilo where it had resided for over 100 years to the battle site. The Israelites seeing the Ark shouted out so loud the ground shook. The Philistines knew that they had brought the Ark to the battlefield and they fought twice as hard and not only defeated the Israelites, they also captured the Ark. They thought by doing so, their god, Dogan, was greater than the GOD of Israel. GOD quickly revealed to them that HE was greater than their god, Dogan.
The Philistines placed the Ark in the temple of their pagan god. The next morning, when they walked into the temple, their god Dogan was face down, prostrate before the Ark. They set Dogan upright. The very next morning Dogan’s torso was prostrate toward the Ark and Dogan’s head and hands were placed at the entrance of the temple. This got the attention of the Philistines and they did not waste any time returning the Ark to the Israelites.

The Philistines returned the Ark to Beth-shemesh. Some Israelites looked into the Ark and GOD struck seventy (70) men down. Those in Beth-shemesh were ready for someone else to take the Ark and sent word to the Israelites in Kiriath-jearim (KIHR ih ath – JEE uh rim) which was about fifteen miles east of Beth-shemesh. The Ark would remain in Kiriath-jearim until King David took it to Jerusalem.

Israel felt a national shame for disobeying GOD and misusing the Ark. They mourned for twenty (20) years. The Ark was put away like something to be feared. During that time Samuel grew into a leadership role as priest and judge.

It is interesting the time GOD allowed to go by for HIS people to come to their senses. Twenty (20) years passed and finally the people came around to see that they needed to worship GOD.

GOD never moves. HE is always available to those who seek HIM. Notice that those who seek HIM come to HIM on HIS terms.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 7:2-6:

2 Time went by until 20 years had passed since the ark had been taken to Kiriath-jearim. Then the whole house of Israel began to seek the LORD. 3 Samuel told them, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart,[2] get rid of the foreign gods and the • Ashtoreths that are among you,[3] dedicate yourselves to[4] the LORD, and worship only Him. Then He will rescue you from the hand of the Philistines.” 4 So the Israelites removed the • Baals and the Ashtoreths[5] and only worshiped the LORD. 5 Samuel said, “Gather all Israel at Mizpah, and I will pray to the LORD on your behalf.”[6] 6 When they gathered at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out in the LORD’s presence. They fasted that day, and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel [began to lead]* the Israelites at Mizpah as [their]* judge.

Samuel had been preaching to the people during those twenty (20) years. They finally got the message and sought the LORD. Samuel told them what they must do to restore their relationship with GOD. They must get rid of their foreign gods.

Even today we have foreign gods that prevent us from worshipping GOD through our SAVIOR and LORD JESUS. They are not gods made of wood or stone but are things we allow to come between us and our LORD such as money, alcohol, drugs, sex, cheating, stealing, fame, power, success and the list goes on.

Samuel made it clear if they were serious about coming back into favor with GOD they
had to get rid of the things that came between them and GOD. Samuel named Baals and the Ashtoreths. Baal was believed to be the son of El, chief deity of the Canaanites. Baal was regarded as the god of thunder and rain; therefore, he controlled vegetation and agriculture. Ashtoreth was considered a goddess of love and war. In Babylon she was known as Ishtar and Aphrodite in Greece. She represented fertility.

Since the time of Joshua’s death, the Israelites were tempted to embrace both the Baals and the Ashtoreths because they were responsible for the growth of their crops. How often do we as Christians hang onto our “good luck charms” instead of placing our trust in our SAVIOR AND LORD JESUS CHRIST? It is sad to think, in our enlightened world of today that we place such trust in things rather than GOD. Doing so robs us of the joy of serving our LORD and having the joy of watching HIM work mightily through our lives.

The Israelites did as Samuel instructed them. Then he instructed them to gather at Mizpah and he would pray for them. Mizpah was located about five (5) miles from Jerusalem. Mizpah means “lookout” or “watchtower” and had been a place for the tribes to meet in the days of the judges. So Mizpah was a historic site and Samuel called them to this site for special prayer for the nation of Israel and recommitment to GOD. Israel had repented of their sins as expressed by getting rid of their gods.

Samuel was acknowledged for the first time as judge at Mizpah. He also acted as priest. He told them that he would pray to GOD on their behalf. They drew water and poured it out onto the ground. They fasted and confessed their sins against the LORD. The drawing of the water and pouring it onto the ground was symbolic to show that they were serious in trusting GOD. Water was necessary for sustaining life but they would trust GOD to sustain their lives and their future. It showed their sincerity and commitment to GOD.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 7:7-11:

7 When the Philistines heard that the Israelites had gathered at Mizpah, their rulers marched up toward Israel. When the Israelites heard [about it]* , they were afraid because of the Philistines. 8 The Israelites said to Samuel, “Don’t stop crying out to the LORD our God for us, so that He will save us from the hand of the Philistines.” 9 Then Samuel took a young lamb and offered it as a whole • burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on behalf of Israel, and the LORD answered him. 10 Samuel was offering the burnt offering as the Philistines drew near to fight against Israel. The LORD thundered loudly[7] against the Philistines that day and threw them into such confusion that they fled before Israel.[8] 11 Then the men of Israel charged out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines striking them down all the way to a place below Beth-car.

The Philistines got word that the Israelites were gathered in Mizpah. The Philistine leadership in several Philistine cities concluded this was the opportune time to finish off the Israelites so they pulled together their warriors to attack Israel. The Israelites heard that the Philistines were coming and they were afraid. The Israelites had placed their trust in GOD, would they hold or run? They went to Samuel and asked him to continue to pray to the LORD because HE would save them. This was a show of faith and confidence in both Samuel and GOD. Their hearts had truly changed toward GOD. When threats come our way, who do we turn to?

Samuel offered the blood sacrifice of a young lamb in a purification ritual. It was to signified that worshipers were offering themselves wholly to the LORD. Samuel was the spokes person between the attitude and sincerity of the hearts of the people and GOD. Samuel concluded that the people were sincere, thus the sacrifice of the young lamb.

The Philistines were getting closer and closer, when all of a sudden the LORD made an unmistakable noise in the heavens that sent a message that only GOD can send. The Philistines went into a state of confusion and the Israelites did not hesitate. They went after them and won the battle.

In ancient times warriors thought that battles were fought on earth as well as in the heavens. The Philistines had already encountered the GOD of Israel twenty (20) years earlier. They knew HIS power and when HE let them know that HE was on the side of the Israelites, they knew it was time to retreat. By the same token the Israelites knew it was time for them to fight. Battles are easier when GOD is fighting with you and your heart is in harmony with HIM.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 that, as Christians, we fight battles every day between earth and the heavenly realm.

Ephesians 6:10-12:

Christian Warfare
10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics[10] of the Devil. 12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.[11]

The Israelites defeated the Philistines. It was a moment to celebrate and commemorate.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 7:12-17:

12 Afterwards, Samuel took a stone and set it upright[9] between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer,[10] explaining, “The LORD has helped us to this point.” 13 So the Philistines were subdued and[11] did not invade Israel’s territory again. The LORD’s hand was against the Philistines all of Samuel’s life. 14 The cities from Ekron to Gath, which they had taken from Israel, were restored; Israel even rescued their surrounding territories from Philistine control. There was also peace between Israel and the Amorites. 15 Samuel judged Israel throughout his life. 16 Every year he would go on a circuit to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah and would judge Israel at all these locations. 17 Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, he judged Israel there, and he had built an altar to the LORD there.

Samuel celebrated and memorialized the victory by setting up a stone between Mizpah and Shen. He named the stone “Ebenezer” which means “stone of help.” It was a reminder to the Israelites of their repentance as a nation and coming back to GOD to obediently serve HIM and regain confidence and trust in HIM. As a result the Israelites won the battle against the Philistines.

GOD gives Christians certain milestones along their Christian walk as reminders of certain victories in their lives. These are anchors and reminders of GOD’S deliverance, help and assurance. When the going gets rough we may need to be reminded of GOD’S assurance that HE will provide the strength to overcome an addiction or weakness in our lives. HE provides an anchor or milestone.

The Israelites had confidence in GOD and the cities which the Philistines had taken were restored to them. There was peace between the Israelites and Amorites. The Amorites likely referred to remnants of Canaanites who lived in the land. Israel’s defeat of the Philistines established them as a military force to be respected.

Samuel judged Israel throughout his life. He had a circuit every year that he rode - Bethel, Gilgal and Mizpah to act as judge. As judge, Samuel was more than a judge who handled lawsuits and criminal cases but he also led Israel into battle and judged their spiritual commitment to the LORD. Once Samuel completed his annual circuit, he returned home to Ramah.

Samuel kept the Israelites accountable to GOD. This is the role of the HOLY SPIRIT in the lives of Christians. We all need to be searched from time to time to allow the HOLY SPIRIT to see if there is any wicked way within us.

When external threats come our way, are we prepared to stand fully clothed with the armor of CHRIST and fight the battles? Do we depend upon the power of the HOLY SPIRIT within us or do we rely upon religious artifacts to win the battles we encounter?

Remember 1 John 4:4:

4 You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

A special thank you to all who prayed for me during my hip surgery. The surgery went well and I am recovering nicely.

Control - When Religion Fails - 1 Samuel 4 and 5 - June 13, 2010

Bible Study – Control – When Religion Fails – June 13, 2010

(Our study this week is early. I am having a hip replacement on June 8. Please add me to your prayer list. Blessing. Tony)

This is lesson two (2) in our series “God is Still in Control.”

Our scripture is 1 Samuel 4:3-5, 10-11, 16-22; 5:1-4; 6:19-21.

Christians make a religion out of Christianity but true Christianity is not a religion but CHRIST in you. Once Christ is in a person, he/she has a desire to grow and mature Spiritually. The institution of the church offers that opportunity. Does the institution known as the brick and mortar church focus on building itself or building the true church of living stones? Building the living church focuses on building a Christian’s relationship with CHRIST based upon the leadership of the HOLY SPIRIT. Most institutional churches do not understand how that is accomplished so they launch programs to accomplish that work. Don’t get me wrong, there are HOLY SPIRIT inspired programs. (There needs to be HOLY SPIRIT led Christian leaders in those churches who terminate, modify or create programs or provide special emphasis to meet the needs of Christians at various stages of Spiritual development.) Christians within a congregation are at various levels of Spiritual growth and maturity. How does the institution of the church meet the needs of all Christians? The answer is the leadership of the HOLY SPIRIT, which must begin with those in leadership positions – paid staff or volunteers. The pastor, priest, preacher of each church is the responsible leader, accountable to GOD as well as all in leadership positions. It is sad to say but many of our churches have become a business and they have lost their focus on growing the congregation Spiritually. Instead their focus is growing physical property and budgets. Large churches with big budgets can offer great Spiritual growth opportunities. Whether a large or small congregation, is GOD in control?

Some churches offer and promote the use of religious paraphernalia to foster worship. Many Christians love their religious statures, charms, cloths, pictures, images in various objects (toast, panels of wood), horoscopes, lucky charms (not the cereal) and many other items they rely upon to provide power to watch over them and protect them. Why do they need GOD or CHRIST?

Not all Christians represent the values of CHRIST in their lives. Some people call themselves Christians so they can be counted among Christian society. Christian growth and maturity is the process of sanctification or being set aside to serve GOD. Sanctification is the surrender and commitment of a Christian’s will to trust CHRIST to lead them rather than depending upon the flesh.

A person receives salvation when he/she asks CHRIST into their life. This is the beginning of a life long process of building an intimate, loving relationship with GOD through CHRIST. GOD’S goal for each Christian is for him/her to be made into the image of CHRIST. Many Christians get their fire insurance, so-to-speak, and never commit their lives to serve GOD and miss the joy of serving their living and dynamic SAVIOR. This means serving GOD where you are – mechanic, painter, carpenter, teacher, mother, father, wife, son, daughter, law enforcement, pilots and the list goes on or prepare for a new direction in your life if HE calls you to a specific ministry – pastor, paid missionary, minister of music, youth or children and the list goes on.

The institutions of Christian religion embodied in the many Christian churches mean well but often fail because leadership is often led by the flesh rather than by the HOLY SPIRIT. Born-again Christians will fail in the eyes of others because they are in various stages of relationship with CHRIST. JESUS raised concerns regarding the religious leaders of HIS day. They were comfortable with their religious life and did not want CHRIST to interfere or change their earned religious lifestyle. GOD wants HIS children to take a stand against the things that compromise their worship of CHRIST.

Our scripture will explore a moment in time when the Israelites used GOD as a good luck charm in an effort to win their battle against the Philistines. It backfired on them. Never try to put GOD in a box or attach HIM to a good luck charm. HE is GOD and HE wants HIS children to know HIM. Study this lesson carefully and heed its message.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 4:3-5, 10-11:

3 When the troops returned to the camp, the elders of Israel (Leadership) asked, “Why did the Lord let us be defeated today by the Philistines? Let’s bring the ark of the Lord’s covenant from Shiloh. Then it[3] Or He will go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies.” 4 So the people sent [men]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. to Shiloh to bring back the ark of the covenant of the Lord of • Hosts, who dwells [between]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the • cherubim.[4] Ex 25:22; Nm 7:89 Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. 5 When the ark of the covenant of the Lord entered the camp, all the Israelites raised such a loud shout that the ground shook.

The Israelites battled the Philistines and lost. The Philistines came from the Aegean area near Crete. They located along the coast of Israel next to Judah about 1200 B. C. The Philistines had five (5) major cities – Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath and Gaza. (Gaza is in the news today.) I Samuel 4:1 introduces the circumstances that led Israel to take matters into their own hands instead of seeking GOD’S wisdom.

1 Samuel 4:1:

Israel went out to meet the Philistines in battle and[1] LXX reads In those days the Philistines gathered together to fight against Israel, and Israel went out to engage them in battle. They camped at Ebenezer[2] 1 Sm 7:12 while the Philistines camped at Aphek. 2 The Philistines lined up in battle formation against Israel, and as the battle intensified, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who struck down about 4,000 men on the battlefield.

Aphek was located about 20 miles from Shiloh and Shiloh was about 30 miles from Jerusalem. The Tent of Meeting/the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant had been located in Shiloh for over 100 years, thus Shiloh was the religious center for the Israelites. Notice the elders were puzzled why GOD had let them down when they were defeated. This reflects the poor spiritual condition of Israel’s spiritual leaders - Eli and his two (2) sons, Hophni (HAHF nigh) and Phinehas (FIN ih huhs) and the elders. The elders/Israel leadership took matters into their own hands. Why seek GOD, when you could take GOD or that which represented GOD, the Ark, to the next battle and be assured of victory.

Hophni and Phinehas carried the Ark. It was their good luck charm. Why go to the trouble of seeking GOD when you can use a good luck charm, so-to-speak, or that which represented GOD, surely HE would protect HIS reputation. The Israelites, in essence, made the Ark into a pagan symbol, an idol. GOD would show both the pagan Philistines and the Israelites that HE was in control and was all powerful.

When the Ark arrived at the Israelite camp, the Israelites were completely confident of victory. They were so confident that their shout shook the ground. The Philistines heard the shout and knew that their religious symbol had arrived. The Philistines knew they would have to fight harder. The faith of man in a religious symbol does not a victory make. It is GOD WHO gives the victory. HE is the power. Always seek HIM and HIS guidance.

Christians do the same thing today. They have their charms, beads, cloths, photos, statures, books, holy water and even the Bible. The Bible is important but it is not to be worshipped. It is to be read and the HOLY SPIRIT reveals truth for everyday living, spiritual growth and maturity.

The Israelites thought GOD was confined to the Ark or since GOD had manifested Himself in association with the Ark, they thought HE would protect them and the Ark. After all GOD had to protect HIS reputation. WRONG! This revealed their shallow spiritual growth because they did not think that GOD was omnipresent but was confined to the Ark. How big is GOD to you?

This goes back to the poor spiritual condition of their leaders, their failure to know the scriptures themselves and to trust in GOD. They were taking a short cut or an easy way to victory by taking the object associated with GOD into battle rather than seeking GOD’S guidance.

Always seek GOD and allow HIM to lead you into your battles of life. Blessed charms and religious paraphernalia are of Satan. Satan uses them to distract and prevent you from seeking a true relationship with GOD. Place your trust in GOD and not in things. Placing your faith in such objects is paganism.

Verses 10-11:
10 So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and each man fled to his tent. The slaughter was severe—30,000 of the Israelite foot soldiers fell. 11 The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.

The Israelites were defeated and confirmed by the phrase “each man fled to his own tent.” Not only that, the pagan Philistines captured the Ark. It was a long journey home for the Israelites. They were not only defeated in battle but their most sacred artifact had been captured. GOD had really let them down. They may have even thought that since the Ark did not help them, so what if the Philistines had it, after all the power was gone or was it?

A messenger was dispatched to deliver the news of the defeat and the capture of the Ark. Let’s see how that news was received by the Prophet Eli.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 4:16-22:

16 The man said to Eli, “I’m the one who came from the battle.[8] LXX reads camp I fled from there today.” “What happened, my son?” Eli asked. 17 The messenger answered, “Israel has fled from the Philistines, and also there was a great slaughter among the people. Your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are both dead, and the ark of God has been captured.” 18 When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell backwards off the chair by the city gate, and since he was old and heavy, his neck broke and he died. Eli had judged Israel 40 years. 19 Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news about the capture of God’s ark and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, she collapsed and gave birth because her labor pains came on her. 20 As she was dying,[9] LXX reads And in her time of delivery, she was about to die the women taking care of her said, “Don’t be afraid. You’ve given birth to a son!”[10] Gn 35:16–19 But she did not respond, and did not pay attention. 21 She named the boy Ichabod,[11] = Where is Glory? saying, “The glory has departed from Israel,” referring to the capture of the ark of God and to [the deaths of]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. her father-in-law and her husband. 22 “The glory has departed from Israel,” she said, “because the ark of God has been captured.”

Do you recall in last week’s study, GOD spoke to young Samuel and told him what would happen to Eli’s sons? Hearing the bad news the Prophet Eli fell backwards and broke his neck. Phinehas’s wife heard the news of the deaths, the capture of the Ark and went into labor. She had a difficult delivery. The midwife tried to cheer her with the news that she had given birth to a son. But she did not respond. However before she died, she named their son Ichabod, which means “no glory.” Phinehas’s wife made the statement “The glory has left Israel” not only because of the deaths of her husband, father-in-law and brother-in-law but most of all because the Ark had been capture by the pagans. Did she think the Philistines had not only captured the Ark but also captured GOD? Did she equate the fact that GOD had not protected her husband, Hophni or Eli, with the fact that the pagans captured the Ark, that GOD was gone? GOD would soon put that notion to rest.

“Glory” means “heavy” or “weighty.” To give GOD glory means to give HIM supreme importance in your life. It is a knowing and an assurance of HIS presence and absolute trust and confidence that HE is WHO HE says HE is and HE will do what HE says HE will do. To realize that HIS Glory or presence is gone means that your hope is also gone because you are helpless to do what only GOD can do. Not a good position to be in.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 5:1-4 and 6:19-21:

1 Samuel 5:1-4:

1 After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod, 2 brought it into the temple of Dagon[1] A Philistine god of the sea, grain, or storm [2] Jdg 16:23–24; 1 Ch 10:8–10 and placed it next to his statue.[3] Lit to Dagon 3 When the people of Ashdod got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen with his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord.[4] Isa 46:1–9 So they took Dagon and returned him to his place. 4 But when they got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen with his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord. [This time]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , both Dagon’s head and the palms of his hands were broken off and lying on the threshold. Only Dagon’s torso remained.[5] LXX; Hb reads Only Dagon remained on it

Had GOD abandoned the Ark? Had the Philistines captured GOD? Was GOD no longer the true GOD and had been robbed of HIS power?

GOD had a plan to not only show HIS power to the pagan Philistines but also to the Israelites. The Philistines brought the Ark to the temple of their pagan god, Dagon (DAY gahn). Dagon was well known throughout that area. It seems that Dagon was an agricultural deity. There are some early references that refer to Dagon as the father of Baal.

GOD had a plan to show both the pagans and the Israelites that HE was still in control and all powerful. Just imagine the shock the Philistines had when they entered their temple the next morning to discover that Dagon was flat on his face, prostrate, in front of the Ark. They set him up. But then again, the next morning Dagon’s head and the palms of his hands greeted them at the entrance to their temple and his torso was prostrate before the Ark. Ancient warriors would perform such mutilations to send a message to their enemies. GOD was sending a powerful message to the pagans and they got it.

This got the attention of the Philistines. They thought the reason they had won the battle against the Israelites was that their god, Dagon, was more powerful than the GOD of the Israelites. These acts demonstrated that the GOD of the Israelites was more powerful than Dagon. So they wanted to get rid of the GOD of the Israelites and returned the Ark to the Israelites.

Needless to say, the Israelites were excited to get the Ark back. They knew that the Ark was to be handled by certain appointed Israelites and had restriction. But after all it had fallen into the hands of the pagans, so GOD was either not associated with the Ark or HIS power was gone.

One such restriction is found in Numbers 4:20:

20 The Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy objects, even for a moment,[24] Or at the covering of the holy objects or they will die.”

Did the Israelites think that GOD had abandoned the Ark? They would soon find out, the hard way.

1 Samuel 6:19-21:

19 God struck down the men of Beth-shemesh because they looked inside the ark of the Lord.[13] LXX reads But the sons of Jeconiah did not rejoice with the men of Beth-shemesh when they saw the ark of the Lord. [14] Nm 4:15–20; 2 Sm 6:7 He struck down 70 men [out of]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. 50,000 men.[15] Some Hb mss, Josephus read 70 men The people wept because the Lord struck them with a great slaughter. 20 The men of Beth-shemesh asked, “Who is able to stand in the presence of this holy Lord God?[16] Nm 17:13; Ps 76:7; Ezk 44:9–16 Who should the ark go to from here?” 21 They sent messengers to the residents of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the Lord. Come down and get it.”[17] Lit and bring it up to you

Some Israelites were curious and looked inside the Ark and 70 were struck dead. Why seventy (70)? One possible explanation is found in Numbers 11:16-17 when Moses asked GOD for help:

16 The Lord answered Moses, “Bring Me 70 men from Israel known to you as elders and officers of the people. Take them to the tent of meeting and have them stand there with you. 17 Then I will come down and speak with you there. I will take some of the Spirit who is on you and put [the Spirit]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. on them.[21] 2 Kg 2:9,15 They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.[22] Ex 18:18; Dt 1:9–13; Ac 6:1–6

Notice in 1 Samuel 4:3 the role of the elders in our lesson:

3 When the troops returned to the camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord let us be defeated today by the Philistines? Let’s bring the ark of the Lord’s covenant from Shiloh. Then it[3] Or He will go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies.”

The taking of 70 lives, I think, was a message from GOD to the seventy (70) leaders of Israel and to the people that their leaders were not seeking GOD. They took matters into their own hands. GOD was in control and I think this marked a change in governance.

They were ready to get rid of the Ark and sent the Ark to those who would respect it because it represented the presence of GOD. They knew GOD was associated with the Ark because of the death of the 70 Israelites and that HE was in control.

Kiriath-jearim (KIHR ih ath-Jee uh rim) was a city about 9 miles from Jerusalem. They may have thought the Ark would be safer in Kiriath-jearim since it was mountainous region and it was widely known that the Ark had been located in Shiloh for over 100 years. King David attempted to relocate the Ark from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem but because they did not do it properly, Uzzah was struck dead.

The word “holy” used in verse 20 comes from a root word meaning “to be separate.” Christians are made holy by the shed blood of JESUS when they receive HIM as their SAVIOR. Christians are sanctified or set aside to serve GOD. The problem is that most of us serve our own desires before we even consider what GOD desires for us.

2 Corinthians 5:21:

21 He (GOD) made the One (CHRIST) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

CHRIST became sin for all who will believe in HIM, so that all who believe are made righteous or holy and have 24/7 direct access to GOD through CHRIST.

Please do not place your faith in charms, trinkets, statures, tarot cards, fortune tellers, horoscopes or anything other than CHRIST WHO is your only hope.

Control - When Leaders Fail - 1 Samuel 2 and 3 - June 6, 2010

Bible Study – Control – When Leaders Fail – June 6, 2010

This begins a new series entitled “God is Still in Control.”

Our scripture is 1 Samuel 2: 22-25; 3:11-21.

When people for whom we have a great deal of respect fail us, it is traumatic. As Americans we have had our share of disappointments us just in recent years. People place their confidence and trust in others. We trust our doctors, teachers, financial experts and clergy. Most can be trusted but a few have disappointed us.

Our new series will consider several subjects:

June 6 – When Leaders Fail – 1 Samuel 2:22-25; 3:11-21.
June 13 – When Religion Fails – 1 Samuel 4:3-5, 10, 20-22; 5:1-4; 6:19-21.
June 20 – When External Threats Come – 1 Samuel 7:2-17.
June 27 – When I Make Poor Choices – 1 Samuel 8:6-9; 12:13-25.

As you can see, we will be in the book of first Samuel for the month of June. We will see how GOD uses circumstances to place the right people at the right place at the right time. The Prophet Samuel was to follow the Prophet Eli. GOD used Samuel’s mother mightily in HIS plan. Our personal situation may seem difficult until we see it in the light of GOD’S plan.

Our first scripture reveals a problem with the Judge/Prophet Eli’s sons, who were priests. Who did they serve GOD or the flesh?

GOD has a plan for all of HIS children. I want to begin our study exploring the hand of GOD at work in the life of Samuel’s mother in order for her to allow the Judge/Prophet Eli to raise her son, Samuel. We see from our first scripture that Eli was a poor father. But it was like GOD was even giving Eli another opportunity to raise Samuel like he should have raised his two (2) sons, Hophni (HAHF nigh) and Phinehas (FIN ih huhs).

Let’s read 1 Samuel 2:22-25:

22 Now Eli was very old. He heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting.[14] Ex 38:8 23 He said to them, “Why are you doing these things? I have heard about your evil actions from all these people. 24 No, my sons, the report I hear from the Lord’s people is not good. 25 If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him, but if a man sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him?”[15] Nm 15:30–31; Heb 10:26–27 But they would not listen to their father, since the Lord intended to kill them.[16] Ex 5:2; 14:17–18; Jos 11:18–20

Eli’s sons were dishonoring GOD and Eli could not get them to change their ways. Eli knew unless they confessed their sins to GOD and repented, they would fall into the hands of GOD for punishment. Eli pleaded with them but they refused to listen and Eli knew GOD would remove them from serving HIM.

Let’s explore the background leading up to Eli being replaced by Samuel. Notice that GOD takes HIS time to place the right person at the right place at the right time.
Israel had been ruled by judges for about 200 years. Eli and Samuel would be the last judges to rule Israel. GOD was about to make a change and GOD had a plan for Hannah and the son GOD would give her, Samuel.

Was Hannah barren because her heart needed to be brought to the point where she would not only dedicate her first born son to GOD but give him over to the priest Eli to raise and to serve GOD?

Let’s read 1 Samuel 1:1-3:

1 There was a man from Ramathaim-zophim (RAY muh THAY im ZOH fim) in[1] Or from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim.[2] Jos 17:14–18 His name was Elkanah (el KAY nuh) son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 He had two wives, the first named Hannah and the second Peninnah (pih NIN uh). Peninnah had children, but Hannah was childless. 3 This man would go up from his town every year to worship and to sacrifice[3] Ex 23:14–17 to the Lord of • Hosts at Shiloh,[4] Jos 18:1 where Eli’s two sons, Hophni (HAHF nigh)and Phinehas (FIN ih huhs), were the Lord’s priests.

Here is a man with two (2) wives. Hannah was Elkanah’s first wife. It was likely Peninnah became wife number two because Hannah could not produce a child. Peninnah was fertile and produced children. As you can imagine, one wife being childless and the other getting pregnant at the drop of a hat, produced tension between Hannah and Peninnah. Later, we see that Peninnah rubbed in the fact that Hannah was barren.

Elkanah was a devout man and would go to Shiloh every year to worship and sacrifice to the LORD. The tabernacle and the ark-of-the-covenant resided in Shiloh, which was about twenty (20) miles from Ramah (RAY muh), where Elkanah lived. He took his family with him. Eli was the high priest.

Let’s focus for a minute on Eli. Eli was a poor parent. His two (2) sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests but Eli had allowed them to do despicable things in their capacity as priests. Eli himself had compromised from worshiping the creator, GOD, to worshiping the created. He was going through the motions of serving GOD. His heart was not in it. Eli’s character had shifted.

Believers need a checkup to see if they have lost their first love. It is easy to get caught up in the mechanics of worshiping and serving GOD.

As I ponder this part of the lesson, I thought of the broader reach of GOD as HE carried out HIS plan through Hannah and Samuel. Eli’s sons had been carousing with the ladies that came to worship. As Eli took his position beside the doorpost of the tabernacle, did he think Hannah had been partying with his son or sons? Her earnest and heartfelt response penetrated the heart of Eli. Was GOD, through Hannah, attempting to bring Eli back to his worship and obedience to HIM through answered prayer? Were the birth of Samuel and the return of Samuel to Eli for him to raise a second chance for Eli to get parenting right and properly train Samuel as a priest?

We can speculate with the answers but the main reason for raising these questions is that we can see the possibilities that a loving and caring GOD has for HIS children who serve HIM. This includes believers who GOD calls for special service. GOD gives opportunity for those who go astray to return but when they fail to take heed, they will suffer the consequences. GOD told Eli that his sons would both die on the same day. 1 Samuel 4:11 - 11 The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.

Eli’s character had changed from worshiping and serving GOD to going through the motions. We need to ask our LORD to search our hearts and reveal anything that is causing us to compromise our worship and service to HIM.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 1:4-8:

4 Whenever Elkanah offered a sacrifice, he always gave portions of the meat[5] Dt 12:17–18 to his wife Peninnah and to each of her sons and daughters. 5 But he gave a double[6] Or gave only one; Hb obscure portion to Hannah, for he loved her even though the Lord had kept her from conceiving. 6 Her rival would taunt her severely just to provoke her, because the Lord had kept Hannah from conceiving. 7 Whenever she went up to the Lord’s house, her rival taunted her in this way every year. Hannah wept and would not eat. 8 “Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband Elkanah asked. “Why won’t you eat? Why are you troubled? Am I not better to you than 10 sons?”

Notice how cruel Peninnah was to Hannah. Peninnah’s taunting had gone on for years. Enough is enough. Hannah did not try to harm Peninnah but instead she went to GOD. Was this GOD’S plan all along? Did Hannah need to be brought to this point of desperation to be able to give up her first born son to serve GOD? Hannah left in tears to go worship.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 1:9-18:

9 Hannah got up after they ate and drank at Shiloh.[7] LXX adds and presented herself before the Lord Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s tabernacle. 10 Deeply hurt, Hannah prayed to the Lord and wept with many tears. 11 Making a vow, she pleaded, “Lord of Hosts, if You will take notice of Your servant’s affliction, remember and not forget me, and give Your servant a son,[8] Lit a seed of men I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and his hair will never be cut.”[9] Lit and no razor will go up on his head [10] Nm 6:5; Jdg 13:5; 16:7 12 While she was praying in the Lord’s presence, Eli watched her lips. 13 Hannah was speaking to herself,[11] Lit to her heart and although her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and scolded her, “How long are you going to be drunk? Get rid of your wine!” 15 “No, my lord,” Hannah replied. “I am a woman with a broken heart. I haven’t had any wine or beer; I’ve been pouring out my heart before the Lord. 16 Don’t think of me as a wicked woman;[12] 1 Sm 2:12 I’ve been praying from the depth of my anguish and resentment.” 17 Eli responded, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the petition you’ve requested from Him.” 18 “May your servant find favor with you,” she replied. Then Hannah went on her way; she ate and no longer appeared downcast.[13] Lit and her face was not to her again

Hannah was distraught over having no children. She took her situation to GOD. Eli was sitting on a chair by the doorpost to the LORD’S tabernacle. Hannah was pouring her heart out to GOD. Her lips were moving. Eli watched her. He jumped to a conclusion. He thought she was drunk. Talk about bad matters getting worse. She was already distraught over being barren and taunted by Peninnah now the priest thought she was drunk. We think this was awful. But was GOD using this situation to get Eli involved in HIS plan for the child that GOD would give to Hannah? I think so.
Often, we make blunders which turn out to be blessings. This blunder brought Eli and Hannah into a dialogue. The heartfelt, earnest response of Hannah likely penetrated the heart of Eli. When Eli spoke the words “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the petition you’ve requested from Him.” Hannah responded with 18 “May your servant find favor with you,” she replied. Then Hannah went on her way; she ate and no longer appeared downcast.[13] Lit and her face was not to her again

Hannah left the tabernacle with her burden lifted and a spring in her step that GOD had heard her earnest prayer. The time was right for GOD’S plan to be put into motion. Timing is everything. There was a time for CHRIST to be conceived and born. There was a time for you to be born. You were created according to GOD’S plan and purpose. Are you serving HIM?

The joy of serving the living GOD puts a spring in your step. Hannah left with complete assurance that GOD would grant her request.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 1:19-28:

19 The next morning Elkanah and Hannah got up early to bow and to worship the Lord. Afterwards, they returned home to Ramah. Then Elkanah was intimate with his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her.[14] 1 Sm 1:11; Gn 8:1; 30:22 20 After some time,[15] Lit In the turning of the days Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel,[16] Possibly a wordplay for requested from God because [she said]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , “I requested him from the Lord.” 21 When Elkanah and all his household went up to make the annual sacrifice and his vow offering to the Lord, 22 Hannah did not go and explained to her husband, “After the child is weaned, I’ll take him to appear in the Lord’s presence and to stay there permanently.” 23 Her husband Elkanah replied, “Do what you think is best,[17] Lit what is good in your eyes and stay here until you’ve weaned him. May the Lord confirm your[18] DSS, LXX, Syr; MT reads His word.”[19] Nm 30:13 So Hannah stayed there and nursed her son until she weaned him. 24 When she had weaned him, she took him with her to Shiloh, as well as a three-year-old bull,[20] DSS, LXX, Syr; MT reads Shiloh with three bulls two and one-half gallons[21] Lit bull and an ephah of flour, and a jar of wine.[22] Nm 15:9–10 Though the boy was [still]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. young,[23] Lit And the youth was a youth she took him to the Lord’s house at Shiloh. 25 Then they slaughtered the bull and brought the boy to Eli. 26 “Please, my lord,” she said, “as sure as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. 27 I prayed for this boy, and since the Lord gave me what I asked Him for,[24] 1 Sm 1:17,20 28 I now give the boy to the Lord. For as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord.”[25] 1 Sm 1:11 Then he[26] DSS read she; some Hb mss, Syr, Vg read they bowed and worshiped the Lord there.[27]
LXX reads Then she left him there before the Lord

Hannah gave birth to a bouncing baby boy and named him Samuel which means “heard of GOD.” She did not go back to Shiloh to worship until Samuel was weaned. This could have been when he was about three (3) years old the customary time for weaning.

We see the character of Hannah because she went to GOD for the solution to her situation and placed her trust in HIS hands. We can see the possibility that through Hannah, GOD was also reaching out to Eli. GOD uses all things to minister to HIS children and to accomplish HIS plan and purpose.

What is your attitude and character toward GOD? Are you going through the motions of worshiping and serving HIM or is HE the joy of your life?

Let’s read 1 Samuel 2:1-2:

1 Hannah prayed: My heart rejoices in the Lord; my • horn is lifted up by the Lord.[1] Ps 75:4–5,10; 92:10 My mouth boasts over my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation. 2 There is no one holy like the Lord. There is no one besides You! And there is no rock like our God.[2] 2 Sm 7:22; Ps 18:31

Hannah praised GOD for HIS answer to her prayer. Mary, the mother of JESUS, modeled a portion of her prayer after Hannah’s prayer.

Hannah rejoiced in her heart, her strength was in the LORD and HE was her salvation. GOD was her rock. WOW! Is GOD your rock?

Hannah’s reference to “horn” means power. It was not her power but the power of the LORD that gave her salvation. The same is true for all believers. Our salvation is in the power of CHRIST WHO gave HIS life to redeem all believers from sin and death. Our part is to believe and accept.

Eli raises Samuel. GOD spoke to Samuel. Samuel thought it was Eli calling to him. Eli told Samuel that it was GOD speaking to him and how he should respond. Serving GOD comes with responsibility.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 3:11-18:

11 The Lord said to Samuel, “I am about to do something in Israel that everyone who hears about it will shudder.[5] 2 Kg 21:12; Jr 19:3 12 On that day I will carry out against Eli everything I said about his family, from beginning to end. 13 I told him that I am going to judge his family forever because of the iniquity he knows about:[6] 1 Sm 2:27–33 his sons are defiling the sanctuary,[7] Alt Hb tradition, LXX read are cursing God and he has not stopped them. 14 Therefore, I have sworn to Eli’s family: The iniquity of Eli’s family will never be wiped out by either sacrifice or offering.” 15 Samuel lay down until the morning; then he opened the doors of the Lord’s house. He was afraid to tell Eli the vision, 16 but Eli called him and said, “Samuel, my son.” “Here I am,” answered Samuel. 17 “What was the message He gave you?” Eli asked. “Don’t hide it from me. May God punish you and do so severely if you hide anything from me that He told you.” 18 So Samuel told him everything and did not hide anything from him. Eli responded, “He is the Lord. He will do what He thinks is good.”[8] Lit what is good in His eyes

Eli knew that GOD had spoken to Samuel and he wanted to know what GOD had told him. As you can imagine Samuel was reluctant to tell Eli the bad news regarding him and his family. Eli accepted the decision of GOD. He knew he had not served as GOD wanted him to serve and now it was a time for changing leadership.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 3:19-21:

19 Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let nothing he said prove false.[9] Lit let no words fall to the ground 20 All Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was a confirmed prophet of the Lord.[10] 1 Sm 2:35 21 The Lord continued to appear in Shiloh, because there He revealed Himself to Samuel by His word.
A person’s integrity is important in serving. GOD confirmed Samuel’s integrity throughout all of Israel. GOD was using Samuel to transition Israel from rule by judges to rule by a king.

GOD places and removes leaders according to HIS plan and purpose. GOD is sovereign and is still in control. HE allows things to happen to get the attention of HIS people and makes changes. As Americans, we have the privilege to vote. Pray and ask GOD to lead you to vote for the person HE wants to lead our nation, state and local governments. Do not neglect your serving GOD as HE leads and directs your lives.

Allow GOD to be first in your life through CHRIST. As a nation, we have fallen away from CHRIST and have allowed our Christian values to be compromised. I am not saying we need to cram Christianity down the throats of others. But we do not need to allow our Christian principles and values to be taken away by a few. Pray and get involved now before it is too late.