May 8, 2024 – 1 Samuel 4:12-18

May 8, 2024 – 1 Samuel 4:12-18

12  A man of Benjamin ran from the battle line and came to Shiloh the same day, with his clothes torn and with dirt on his head.  13  When he arrived, Eli was sitting on his seat by the road watching, for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city and told the news, all the city cried out.  14  When Eli heard the sound of the outcry, he said, “What is this uproar?” Then the man hurried and came and told Eli.  15  Now Eli was ninety-eight years old and his eyes were set so that he could not

see.  16  And the man said to Eli, “I am he who has come from the battle; I fled from the battle today.” And he said, “How did it go, my son?”  17  He who brought the news answered and said, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has also been a great defeat among the people. Your two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been captured.”  18  As soon as he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell over backward from his seat by the side of the gate, and his neck was broken and

he died, for the man was old and heavy. He had judged Israel forty years.

 

To hear the news of Israel’s defeat and the loss of Hophni and Phinehas must have been devastating, but it was the loss of the ark of God that killed Eli.  Why was the loss of the ark fatal to Eli? How can we relate Eli’s death to our present day lives?  Is obedience to God significant to God’s commandments?  Are you seeking obedience in your daily life?  In what way? What steps can you take today to become more obedient and live a faith filled life trusting God’s will? 

 

Heavenly Father, It is so easy to say what people want to hear and then do what we want to do.  It seems that is a national pastime lately.  Help me to be different and only say what I mean.  I don’t want to be one that is known for making false promises to anyone, but especially not to You.  I want to be known as a person who honors You with my words and my actions, and not because I’m expected to act a certain way, but because I love You and want others to see that love.  I want to obey You because You are my heavenly Father.  Help me have a heart that honors You and a life that is lived for You.

 

In Jesus’ name.

Amen!

 

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