Peace At Last! (Part 2)

Peace in the Land (vv.7-17)

In the midst of Israel’s ‘national repentance day’, the Philistines came up to attack them. The very reason why they turned to God is nearing their camp and bringing them fear. Isn’t it true that when we’ve finally decided to make that life change, it’s when temptation comes to its peak? Why is it that when you’re almost ready to forgive, he’ll once again provoke you to anger; or after breaking free from an ungodly relationship, she’ll be sweeter than ever; and just when you’ve turned back from everything to follow God’s call, an opportunity of your dreams will personally knock at your door. Give me a break! We all hope distractions would not come when were still so much vulnerable. The Israelites here were not ready for battle. They were gathered at Mizpah to pray. In fear, they pleaded Samuel to not stop crying to God in their behalf.  God answered him. Just as Jesus healed the paralytic because of the faith of his four friends, we can also intercede in faith for our loved ones. What is more, the blessings we receive or the bad things were spared from, we can actually also regard as love prayers from our friends. How beautiful is that! And so, God delivered them from the Philistines with a loud thunder and never again did they invade Israel’s territory. Samuel’s leadership also allowed them to restore some towns originally belonging to them, even helped their neighboring towns have their peace as well.  Imagine, they could have been freed long ago if they only sought the Lord their God. Exodus could have been just forty days not forty years if only they refused to be stiff-necked people. We could enjoy His peace and presence if only we choose Him over and above our deceitful desires. We will regret soon if we don’t act now. The battle is the Lord’s and He will fight for us. Why try when you can trust?  Why run when you can rest? Vote wisely!

Personal Application:

Peace is not the absence of danger but the presence of God. Do not be mistaken that saying yes to God means a life free of troubles. In fact, there’s more to come. Our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. We have to be sober and always vigilant. Peace then doesn’t mean passively reclining but an active exercise of casting our cares on Him.  It is the quiet confidence of being in harmony with God and by paying attention to His commands. It comes to those who live their lives in discipline and discernment. If we have trained our bodies as Manny Pacquiao prepares for a fight, no one can easily put us down even with a heavy punch. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. Let us not lose heart. He will renew us inwardly day by day. Read that again, day by day! He is our power source, but we have to be daily connected to be recharged.  I want peace? It is God given. I can’t receive it while I’m running as soon as I wake up. I can’t hear Him if I’m talking all the time. I have to be still and silent. That’s the best breather of all!

Peace At Last! (Part 1)

1 Samuel 7

Peace with God (vv.2-6)

If the Israelites really believe that the ark is where the presence of God resides, how come it stayed at Kiriath Jearim for twenty years? There was no mention of any effort from Eli’s remaining line to return what they called the ‘glory’ in Shiloh. Not even in Samuel’s lifetime was the ark mentioned again. No wonder the people continued to live in sin. They engage in idolatry to fill that vacuum that only a higher being can suffice. But their gods proved lacking for it cannot deliver them from the hands of the Philistines. Now at the end of their rope, they sought the Lord. It must really be heartbreaking for God to be man’s last resort :< But in our faithlessness, He remained faithful. He never abandoned Israel even though they had let His tablets settle in the outskirts and not in the heart of the city. In those two decades, He was all the while preparing Samuel to be their judge. Sometimes we wonder why God seems to be so silent in our deepest time of need when actually help is on the way. In His sovereignty, he perfectly timed Israel’s repentance with Samuel’s readiness to lead. Now we know why some of our prayers seemingly piles up in the waiting list. Either we’re still cherishing sin our hearts, or the right time has not yet come. Dear singles,  please patiently wait for His best for you. You wouldn’t want a half-baked, lifetime partner right? My love story can attest to that. :>

Three steps is required in true repentance. First is getting rid of everything that hinders your relationship with God, next is to commit not to do it again, and third is to serve Him only. One cannot turn TO God with turning FROM sin. What lies in between is that moment in time when you will do it. For the Israelites, they had to be assembled at Mizpah for their confession. Bruce Wilkinson in his book Personal Holiness in Times of Temptation calls this second step as Presentation. A dedication to mark your decision. It is why we have wedding ceremonies  to start a marriage or an inauguration for head of states. We all need a turning point. My decision to give up my personal ambition and pursue His calling for me was eighteen years ago in a PK camp. There was also that purity covenant I signed with my musician friends in our overnight at a friends’ house in Commonwealth, QC. There are a lot others I said Yes to which I vaguely remember because I did not take time to seriously sit down and maybe make a memorial for it.  We are forgetful people. Studies show that if we don’t make an action to experience learning, most likely, we will not remember it. Joshua said ‘Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve..” What’s your decision today?

 Application:

Whenever we’re asked in Windsong to prepare a lineup of songs, we usually ask the inviting group’s  Scripture reference for that event. From those verses, the first question we ask is, “Who is God in this passage?” Worship is all about who He is, and not what we want to do for Him. In my reading this morning, I had to ask that question again. He answered me, “I am the God of Second Chances”.  Betrayal is the most painful heartbreak in all relationships. You gave your all, your trust, your love, and your ungrateful significant other would just throw that away and leave you dishonored and shattered. You’ll find it hard to forgive, vowed to never forget, and promised yourself you won’t ever look that way again.  Adam was banished from the garden, there was flood in Noah’s time, those who crossed the Red Sea made a golden calf,  Exodus became forty years instead of forty days, and whenever a judge dies, His people returned to idol worship. And over and over again, whenever His people repent of their sin, His compassion will welcome them back. Even with the knowledge that we will fall again, He will still run when we return. How can He do that? Why will He do that? The answer is in His unconditional love. Guess what? We’re called to do likewise. Forgive a brother, reconcile with your husband, honor your parents, submit to your leaders. It’s hardest when we feel that these people are just undeserving. We’re so much like the unmerciful servant, forgiven from his ten thousand debt but wouldn’t let go of a fellow servant who owe him one hundred denarii. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven us.

Homecoming

 1 Samuel 6

Departure from Philistine Territory (vv.1-12)

After seven months of tumors and rats, the Philistines finally gave up and decided to let go of the Ark. They sought the counsel of priests and diviners on how to send it back to its place. Their advice?  Put it in a new cart hitched to two cows that have never been yoked and return it with five gold rats as guilt offerings – one each for the fortified towns, and five gold tumors for its five rulers.  I wonder if any human king would be delightful to receive a golden sore? Ewww! :> If I would make a peace offering to my husband, I don’t think a fashion accessory would do well. We don’t choose a gift without considering the recipient right? Especially if we’re seeking reconciliation. In their foolishness, the Philistines thought their way of appeasing their gods could honor Israel’s God too. We do the same when we insist that we can earn His pleasure with our long prayers, charity works, and sacrificial devotions? Did God ever require those from us? Why can’t our pride accept that Jesus Christ has already paid the penalty for our sins and all that’s left to do is to ask for His forgiveness and receive His salvation by faith? Is it unbelievably too simple? It took the Philistines seven months, the Egyptians, ten plagues, and with some of us, months of LOA from His presence. Yielding to His will is just a prayer away. One humble confession and He promised full pardon. No strings attached. No ‘do this first’, or ‘make yourself perfect first’, because God knows we can’t. His pleasure is only through His Son. Acknowledge Him and He will acknowledge us to the Father. That’s how it works. We can’t run it how we want it. It’s not our kingdom remember?

 Application:

Delayed obedience is disobedience. Late submission is actually non-submission because we have committed ourselves to a deadline. We have set structures to push us to excellence, build our character, and as platform to exercise wisdom. Every second counts. Ask an Olympic swimmer or runner and they’ll tell you it did cost them gold. Discipline of time is what separates mediocrity from mastery. ‘Daig ng maagap ang masipag’,  sabi nga ng Pinoy. If only the Philistines returned the ark after the first strike of plague, their death toll could have been reduced to zero; if only we disregarded our pride and sought forgiveness that same date, we might still have a friend to hang out with; if only we became fully yielding to His will, we could have experienced more of His grace. I regret those days I chose laziness (and/or busyness!) over my alone time with God and His word. I sure have missed a lot of His guidance and could have avoided many pitfalls. We should listen more to our own advice to youngters, ‘We will sometimes stumble and fall, but we can always stand up and run again’.  Rise Up! Obey Now, Do Not Delay!

Arrival at Beth Shemesh (vv.13-21)

What started with much rejoicing ended with mourning. They welcomed the ark with open arms, now they want it out of their town. They set it on a rock and made sacrifices to God, but then He put to death seventy of their men. We do sometimes experience such roller coaster rides, right? We started our day right, even took time to pray before we go to work. We’re happy and hopeful and full of positivity, This is gonna be a great day!’. But for some reason, our boss will disapprove our week’s work, then we’ll receive a call that our son hit his head on some wall, and just before logging off, we’ll see a bad comment in our Facebook wall being viewed by the world no less. Let me guess, we’ll be stuck for hours in traffic before we reach home, just so to complete our day! Whaaaat was that all about?!!  Well at least my example of a good day turned to bad was beyond our control. It just fell on our lot, and in time, we’ll see God’s purpose why He allowed it to happen. The people of Beth Shemesh put it upon their heads. They dishonored God by looking into the ark. A thick curtain in the Holy of holies served as a dividing line so that no man, except the high priest could irreverently enter God presence. He first cleanses himself, put on a special clothing, and bring blood with him inside, not anytime he wish, but only on the Day of Atonement. That’s how God wants His people to take His holiness seriously. Beth Shemesh folks disregarded the protocol, thus suffered the consequences. No subject can just present himself to the king without a summon, same as we cannot see our president without an approval. It’s in respect to their high office and because set rules are being applied. But on Jesus’ last breath on the cross, that curtain was torn in two signifying we can now go near to God. He opened the way for us to enter the Most Holy Place by His blood. How beautiful is that! No rules, no security pass, no appointments. Sadly though, how many of us rejoice in that privilege today? Let us not forget how Jesus suffered just for us to have that free access. I love how Hillsong put it into song: ‘Nothing you can do can make Him love you more, and nothing that you’ve done can make Him close the door. Because of His great love, He gave His only Son. Everything was done so you would come.” How about taking this time to pray…

 Application:

Just because the door to His presence is open doesn’t mean deliberate sinners can just walk in and out untouched. Grace never lowered His righteous standards. Shall those who received full pardon not live in gratitude to the One who set him free? We were bought at a price, thus we should honor Him with our lives.  Hebrews 10:29 is a warning for all of us: “How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who ahs insulted the Spirit of grace.” Ungratefulness is an insult to any giver. Living in sin is being ungrateful. Give it up now. The consequence of sin is matchless to the loss we will temporarily feel in letting go of our pet sins. Ask Moses why he was forfeited from entering the promise land even after faithfully leading Israel for many years - - because he angrily struck a rock twice. Ask why Achan’s family was stoned and burned alive - - because he hid a beautiful robe and some silver and gold.  And why did God killed seventy Beth Shemesh men? Because they looked into the ark. It seems their punishments were so harsh compared to their ‘little’ sins. But why do you think Jesus equated adultery with a lustful look, or why include liars in the same row as thieves, murderers, immoral and sorcerers? We define and categorize sin based on the graveness of its result, but God sees all sins as coming from the heart that negates all that He is. If I arrive one minute late or five hours late to an appointment, it’s still disrespect. If I protest at the top of my lungs or quietly backstabbed my leaders, it’s both rebellion right? Just because we claim to be already Christians that we are safe from His judgment. We may be eternally delivered from hell, but we will still give an account for everything we did on earth. Time to mind our manners.

Breaking Enemy Lines

1 Samuel 5

Broken Idol in its Temple (vv.1-5)

Your homecourt is to your advantage. Familiarity, authority, access, influence, and support - - all at your disposal. And if the visiting team falls into your overwhelming, intimidating scheme, you can expect a win. Dagon, the Philistines’ half-fishy-something idol, had that advantage - - if it has even an inch of breath and power for a face off. But twice did it fell facedown before the ark of the Lord, even crushed its head and hands the second time. “The God of Israel is heavy upon…Dagon our god” they said, and yet, their loyalty remained to their lame, lifeless god. How blinded! Those who heard the truth and do not put it into practice walks along the same line. They know God as all-powerful but they ask from Him not; they know Him as ever-present but kept Him at a distance; they knew Him by Name but calls Him not. Now let’s move closer to our own lives:  who’s the first in our list when we ran into trouble, friend or God? When we have a important presentation next week, how many hours do we spend preparing? how about praying? We say He is God but we’re still occupying our life’s throne. We call Him Lord on Sundays, but decide for ourselves on weekdays. If He’s not Lord of all, He’s not our Lord at all. Would we rather be broken into pieces before we acknowledge that we are insufficient apart from Him? Let us not deceive ourselves and think a clay is better than a potter. We don’t even own this ‘temple’ to start with.

 Application:

Hard heads. These are people who have resolved in themselves not to listen, or change, and don’t care.  ‘This is what I believe. It’s what I know is best. Now respect it.”  No amount of persistence or persuasion can walk through his door. Mind you, even the windows are closed the moment you knock again.  When a friend is so close to trapping himself with his wrong decision, it’s heartbreaking. We feel very helpless and our friend, so pitiful. Turn the scenario around and admit we’ve been hard heads many times. As adults, why are we sometimes so defensive when our parents mind our decisions? We think their wisdom is old, weak, and irrelevant. How about our leaders? Why are our ears (don’t ask me to read that again, haha!) so sensitive to suggestions and classify it immediately as criticism? We say we wouldn’t want to be taken personally but labels all comments as personal attacks. We negate everything but ourselves. That’s pride. And we do find that in Scripture, alongside destruction! Pride has no place in God’s kingdom where meekness, humility and submission is honored instead. I have to confess I am one hard-headed daughter. I am never disobedient, but my heart is not always right. God has been faithful in rebuking me everytime and to date, we’ve won some battles (we lost a few because I gave in to my stubbornness!). I’m sure there’ll be more testing and refining until I come out as gold! That’s a long walk, but a good one :>

Tumor Outbreak in the Cities (vv.6-12)

To the Philistines, God has the reputation of sending plagues. News of what happened to Egypt reached them. Maybe they felt mightier than Pharaoh and his army now that they have captured the ark. When the people of Ashdod (and its vicinity) were afflicted with tumors, they knew immediately it was the hand of God. How unlikely today. When disaster comes, both natural and man-made, we usually point it to global warming, foresight failure, poor facility, community negligence, or plain accident. Those who see God in these events are usually identified as one with that bum holding a signage ‘The End is Near’, while those providing us with scientific explanations are elevated to the elite circle of the Credibles. We’d rather keep silent right? Truth never had its chance because those claiming to hold it held their tongues instead! But just like the ark, alone and seemingly defenseless in the enemy camp, God solely devastated the two cities and death had filled everyone with great panic. For even without us, His work continues to bring glory to His Name. If we don’t proclaim His Name to the nations, the heavens will declare it. If we don’t praise Him, He can make the stones cry out! Now, who needs who?

 Application:

If Christianity looks so old school today, it’s because that’s how we reflect it to the world! How can they be attracted to a living God, when they see us dragging our feet to work and our words boring them to death? How can they trust Him with their lives when they see us always lingering on the crossroads, taking all possible u-turns, and with no sense of direction at all.  And will they ever submit to His Lordship when as His servants we are first to complain, last to obey, and a mediocre in all we do? Instead of being set apart, we’re one with the crowd. Not even on Sundays are we different from non-believers: we all wake up late, we don’t bring our bibles, and we rush to the mall after lunch. WAKE UP CHURCH!  The God of Israel is the God we serve. At His feet nations bow and with a word, miracles happen. We should be the most vibrant, passionate, and hopeful beings on the planet! Jesus once instructed a  leper not to spread the news of how he had been healed because He did not want people to come and proclaim Him as the Messiah yet.  But the man was so happy he told everyone he met the most amazing thing that happened in his life. Jesus could not go into the towns because of that.  My point here is, Jesus did something big for us, how can go on with our daily lives not ever mentioning that truth? Or at least having that radiant look? I say, it’s high time for us to Go, Grow, and Glow! Let it shine guyz! :>

Funerals and a Baby

1 Samuel 4

Defiance and Defeat (vv.1-11)

On their first encounter, four thousand Israelites died on the battlefield. The elders gathered and asked why God brought them defeat against the Philistines. At least here, they have the right perspective that it was God who makes things happen. But instead of appeasing Him, as what even pagans would wisely do, they disregarded their own inquiry, never sat down to see the root of the issue, and took the matter in their hands. Let me write this again in our version: something happened really bad, say we failed an important exam or the company went bankrupt or a young family member was rushed to the hospital. We cried to God for answers. We know He’s the One who controls all life’s events. But now our mind has shifted to taking down notes of what to do next, people to approach, where to get the money, and the like. We claim to have prayed, but have we really taken time to wait for His answer? The Israelites thought of a ‘Christian’ idea: bring the sacred ark to war. Because they felt God abandoned them the first time, they now dragged Him to the scenario, as if giving Him a second chance to do His job. Our version? How many times have we asked godly people to pray for our concerns without coming to terms with God ourselves? We put Him in a box and foolishly thought that if we do this, He will do that. Religion without relationship is futile. If only they repented of their sins instead of using the ark as a good luck charm, the lives of thirty thousand foot soldiers could have been spared. But they were too busy and noisy to hear God. Their shouts shook the ground, reached the enemies’ camp, and terrorized the Philistines. But did it stop their enemies from attacking? No. Just like the Israelites, both knew the great God of Jacob who did wonders in Egypt, but neither obeyed Him. We can amaze people with our theological terminologies, or sing His praise at the top of our lungs, but if we had cherished sins in our hearts, the Lord will not listen. “Away with the noise of your songs!” was God’s word in Amos 5:23. So why were the Israelites defeated that day? God’s justice will say, ‘Why not?’.

 Application:

 ‘Things never happen in the same way twice’ were the words of Aslan to Lucy in the Chronicles of Narnia. God is in the business of always making things new. That’s why although we have His word to guide us with the principles, He gives us the liberty to exercise wisdom in its application to life. That’s where we need His daily guidance. He could have asked us to memorize the Scriptures period. But where is character building there? What would be the role of prayer then? It is not enough to know God with our minds. Avalon sang it perfectly, “By heart, by soul, that’s how I want to know You. Keep You as close as breath is to life. Wanna watch Your love unfold. By heart, by soul.” Worship is being awesomized with the wonders of God. It is the life of a watchman - - always on the lookout for God’s movement and knows that nothing is more important than seeing God Himself. But in His grace, He allows us to take a step further. He wouldn’t want us just staring at Him. His delight is for us to walk with Him and experience Him. It is His original story for Eden and His offer for eternity.  But He invites us to start walking now and experience His great faithfulness. It is afresh each morning!

Disgrace and Death   (vv.12-18)

Eli lived ninety eight years and served Israel for four decades, and yet his life ended with a fall, literally and otherwise. The death of his two sons on the same day is the sign that God’s judgment to his family line has began. But what really brought about his death is the mention that the ark of the covenant has been captured. It’s hard enough to be under the punishment of God, what is unbearable is when He finally decides to turn His back from you. When you angered your parents or boss and you’re still within their jurisdiction, at least there’s still hope for reconciliation and restoration, but how can you ask for forgiveness from someone who has already left you? Moses said, “If your presence doesn’t go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” In His pleasure, He showed His glory to Moses, but now in displeasure, His glory has departed from Israel.

 Application:

Once saved, always saved. Discussing that would take me hours. Let me focus meantime on those who bring great displeasure to God too: those saved but not submissive! They are the ones who receive God’s gift of salvation but are unfaithful to His service and unyielding to the Spirit. When fire tests the quality of their work, it will burn up, although they themselves will escape the flames. Doing God’s work without His presence will never bear fruit. But faith even as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. The eyes of the Lord moves to and fro the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. He fires up those whose hearts are already burning for Him and rewards the faithful stewards who doubled the gifts entrusted to them (whether given ten, five or two talents). But to the unfruitful fig tree, there was curse, and the foolish servant was left empty handed. For how can we expect God to empower us when we don’t take time for Him to fuel us up? How dare we seek His blessings when we bless Him not? How long will we bear His name but bring Him shame? His love is unconditional, but He is a fair judge.

Delivered in Despair (vv.19-22)

“I will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle” were the word of God through Samuel. Thirty four thousand soldiers were killed, the high priest and his sons died, Eli’s daughter in law died in labor and the ark of the covenant was captured. Blow by blow, one bad news after another. I can imagine the terror and thoughts of the land. It’s like how we all felt during the 9-11 attack.

“It’s just a matter of time and the Philistines will kill us all!”

“If Eli’s family was not spared, how can we escape God’s wrath?”

 “Eli’s successor also died. Who will lead us now?”

“Without the ark, will God’s presence still return to us?”

And there’s the baby which seemingly confirms their fears. His dying mother gave him the name Ichabod which means ‘God’s glory has departed from Israel’. I guess he’s the orphan of all orphans. No parents, no (presence of) God. And with the judgment now at the door of their family, he has no good future to look forward to. How unfair to reap the sins of his father! I asked my husband, ‘Was God unfair?’, he answered me, ‘Phinehas was unfair to his son’. God’s covenant with Israel was laid down since Moses’ time. As priests, they were the ones entrusted to teach the Law. They knew better, but decided otherwise. Now a helpless baby will bear the curse of their disobedience, plus two more generations down. Not only did my ears tingle with their story, my heart breaks for these babies :<

 Application:

Why do pregnant women smoke? Why are some fathers drunkards and lazy? Why do some couples resort to separation? Why do families continue to live beyond their means? Should babies suffer from heart complications just days after their birth? Should young boys live in streets and not go to school? Should a teenage girl experience abuse from her stepfather? Should we leave our children with debt instead of inheritance? Our children will suffer for every bad choice we make. It’s so unfair! They deserve a name, a life, a future. God wants to give it to them. But as parents, it will always be through us. I may not be as brutal as my examples above, but if I don’t guard my tongue, my kids will pick up my temper; if I will ignore their every interruption, I’m building a wall to our relationship; if they don’t see me sharing kindness, they too will be selfish and uncaring; and if I will not teach them about God, they will not see Him as important. When we became parents, we don’t live for ourselves anymore. Now we don’t just watch our conducts to protect our names, but our children’s too. Let them be proud not because they have wealthy, or famous, or successful parents. May they be called blessed because we obeyed God and have found favor in Him.  It’s the best legacy we can leave behind.

About a Boy

1 Samuel 3

The Boy and his Mentor (vv.1-10)

Being a parent and a teacher, I think Samuel is just like any other boy. With good supervision, established routines, and upright standards, any child can learn obedience, diligence, and responsibility. Eli did a good job in providing that environment to Samuel. The boy fulfilled his duties from morning to night and attended to the old priest promptly and with respect. We usually admire Samuel’s uncomplaining compliance in this chapter. But Eli was as patient and tolerant too. Upon realizing it was the Lord who was calling Samuel, he gently instructed him how to respond next time. To think it was already late night and being old also means numerous discomforts. I for one would not gladly welcome unexcused sleep interruptions. Make that three times!  But maybe, the delight of being a ‘lolo’ to any child made a lot of difference. Maybe because he failed as a father to Hophni and Phinehas that he saw his second chance in Samuel. I believe Eli treated him well. Respect begets respect.

Application:

Matthew 12:33 "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.” All parents in one way or another pass on good and bad things to their children. As children, we inherit their genes, diseases, habits, and unfortunately for some, even debts :< I have to admit I sometimes catch myself doing the things I say I hate seeing my mom do. And now, my jaw drops seeing my little kids mimicking my every funny and unguarded violent reactions! The truth of God’s word in Exodus 20:5-6 is a good reminder for us “I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” We may be part of the curse because of the disobedience of those who lived before us, but we are also responsible for the generation following us. We have to choose to cut the rope now. Not only for the future of our children, but moreso, because we bear the name of being called God’s children. Honor begets honor. 

The Boy and God’s Message (vv.11-18)

Verse one gave a scenario that the word of the Lord was rare at this time and there were not many visions. When a usually quiet person speaks (my husband, for example), we take it as an important matter and a special occasion :> And yet God chose a boy, and the message? Judgment! Parents would not have that as a first Bible lesson to their kids. It is a complicated topic, too violent for a young mind, and not really a charmer for their first encounter with God’s word. But God is training the young prophet to speak His word, regardless of personal relevance or audience relationship or content preference. What is admirable is that Samuel kept it to himself until morning. He feared it would cause the old man much grief. Only upon Eli’s inquiry (and a warning that God will deal with him severely if he’ll withhold any detail) that the boy told him everything. God calls us to preach the Word, but He also wants us to speak His truth in love. A delicious meal served in a filthy plate forfeits the pleasure. Even to the hungry, it will sure fill up their stomachs, but they will accuse the giver as inhumane. How much more a message of wrath. There is no way it could lighten a load. But it makes a lot of difference if we try to be more considerate, choose to speak with grace and season it with salt. Hate the sin but continue to love the sinner. It is how God’s kingdom works.

Application:

God can use anything and everyone to get our attention. Even kids like Samuel were used in the Bible to deliver a message or as object lessons to those thrice their age. Seeing their innocence and simplicity, honestly and straightforwardness, it is unlikely for us to respond offensively (I don’t know about ‘impulsively’, haha!). We had our share of this just the other night. Around 11p.m., our son Rilian screamed and we found him on his toes, facing the windows. It would be more ‘normal’ if it’s the other way around, that is, towards the door. Trying to fight back his tears, he exclaimed: “Ang dami zombies!”. We were playing Plants vs Zombies that night and it resulted to a bad dream. I can only imagine how fearful that is for a four year old boy. As parents, we have tried to keep him from being afraid of the dark, or watching violent or horror dvds, or begged his tita not to use Pinoy terms like ‘mumu’ to scare him off. This game subtly crept in and appeared harmless. I even custom-ordered zombie shirts for Tris’ birthday last month. We were fanatics. Tris confessed God already convicted him months ago to delete that game because as a designer, God showed him that these creatures distort God’s beautiful design in creation. God used our son to wake him up the second time. And we can’t ignore it now because it’s affecting our kids. In obedience to being responsible parents, and in honor of our Creator, we deleted the game, threw the shirts and all our dvds which could be an entry point for fear to have a hold in our family.  We again prayed for His rule and protection in the house. Now we know better not to take lightly the Spirit’s conviction, for we will experience His bigger shake even through these small packages!

The Boy as God’s Mouthpiece (vv.19-21)

Before his name and work became known, this young boy’s establishment as a prophet began with these words: “The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up”.  God’s calling and presence is prerequisite to all our undertakings. It is God-initiated. How He distinctly wired us for a purpose is for us to discover through faithful reading of His word, being in tune with the Spirit, watching His symphonized working in circumstances, and through people.  It takes humility to accept both success and failure, even more to receive either praise or criticism. But it’s a necessary confirmation to one’s calling. For where God sends you, He will bless you. Please note that blessings do not necessarily mean abundance. It sometimes disguises itself as hardship for His glory (and your character) to beautifully unfold. And when we are walking alongside His will, just like Samuel, none of our words will fall on the ground and people will recognize HIM. Let me repeat that: not us, but God in us! The Lord continued to reveal Himself to Samuel that it blessed all Israel. We are His vessels, channels to His blessings. And the honor of being first to be touched by God is peerless. When we’re asked to comfort another, it is because we experienced being comforted first. When asked to seek that one lost sheep, know that we were once lost but now found by Him. Or when asked to love our enemies, remember Jesus suffered from and for US too. We can never outgive God. Seek His Kingdom and righteousness and all these things, more than you could ask or imagine, will be given to you as well.  

Application:

God was with Samuel as he grew up.. and continued to reveal Himself to him.  How I wish it will be the same for my life, and my children. But it is possible! It is what God desires – a constant, continuing communion with Him. The problem lies on our side of the story or should I say, when we put the weight of the doing on our backs. It is God’s work to initiate, ours to respond. He reveals, we obey. We always take our cue from Him.  When we do great things for God, be sure the instruction is from Him, and not our thought-best for Him. Martha worked, Mary sat down.  Martha complained, Mary was commended. Samuel’s role is simply to relay what God has said. Isn’t that easier than trying to conceptualize another brilliant idea? He has the answer in all life’s questions. From marriage to parenting, career and money matters, friendship and leadership issues, the Bible has it all. We just have to give Him our time. Jesus was God’s Son and yet He spent His early mornings alone with the Father. He did not create us to decipher life with a DIY manual. He is the God of relationships that even in our reading of His already revealed Word, His Spirit guides our understanding. But apart from that relationship, even the wisest among us will see nothing but foolishness in Scriptures.  We cannot know His ways if we do not know God. But the moment we take that step towards Him, it will uncover an exciting and satisfying journey to His unfathomable and infinite wisdom and glory! I’ll take that plunge!

A Father's Failure and the Family's DownFall

1 Samuel 2:27-36

The Gravity of their Sin

God sent a prophet to Eli to remind him of the honor He gave to the house of Aaron when they were chosen as His priests out of the twelve tribes of Israel. They were privileged to serve Him and be nearest to Him.  The share they receive from the people’s offerings is not just grace but a secure lot for them. And the promised ascendancy is forever! But Eli was charged of dishonoring God by honoring his sons more; fattening themselves and robbing God of the choice parts of every offering rather than being content with their daily share; and they abused their authority over the people by forcing them to their greedy will, forgetting they were all under God’s authority and will. Eli’s family betrayed the trust, bruised the grace, and broke their end of the covenant.

Application:

When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required (Lk.12.48, NLT).

Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. (James 3:1, NIV)

"With great power comes great responsibility." Spiderman :>

Leaders always say it’s lonely up there. Too much pressure, usually unappreciated, takes all the blame, an object of scrutiny. But not everything is bad up there. Your name grants you access to exclusive information and influence, you have better seats, secure benefits, and people look up to you. You look great and feel great. But that you have to more than maintain. One can be a leader by appointment, through hardwork, or by default, haha! But regardless of how God placed you up there, He expects your faithfulness and diligence to rise above the given. High call? Yes. But the great thing about God as our employer is that where He sends us, He will abundantly supply. Strength, wisdom, creativity, name it! Eli’s son’s downfall is that they failed to remember they were merely stewards of the office. What God has given, He can take away. He is the Owner, and we owe Him everything. It will always be in that order.  

 The Grievous Sentence

  

'The LORD.. does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.' (Num 14:18.)

Eli’s family was disqualified from high office and its effect rolled down their lineage. Matthew Henry mentioned some Jewish writers who found out that none from this house commonly lived above eighteen years old.  That’s really primetime. God said ‘Good will be done in Israel but in your family, there will never be an old man’. Suffering is difficult enough, but staying in the pit while all others prosper will make it more burdensome. It’s like being so hungry to death and a stranger sits beside you with his fresh-from-the-pan pizza slice. Unbearable! Having no old man in the house equals no one to give sound direction, no grandchildren playing around, no future to look forward to. Some however will be spared from the cut off, but only to witness these things happening. And they will beg for the meanest job in the temple and for some coins and a crust of bread. It is really pitiful and heartbreaking. Especially for Eli whose children’s death will be the sign to the fulfillment of this judgment. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Application:

A pastor in Baguio made a series on the Wrath of God and it’s the first time for me then to realize how serious is God in keeping His righteous rule and in dealing with those who missed the mark. Christians are usually pampered hearing about the grace and mercy of God that we take lightly the disciplines needed in our daily battle against sin. We are not exempt when judgment day comes for we will all give an account for our life’s choices. Sometimes the pagans are better in showing reverence to their rocks for fear of displeasing them. God calls us to holy fear and to stand in awe of Him. We need to constantly remind ourselves who is God here, and never cross the line that belongs to His honor alone. 1 Corinthians 9:27 says it all: “I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” Both the servant and his service should submit to the Lordship of Christ. My character needs to match my calling, for with them I reflect the God I serve.

The God-Appointed Successor

Many believed it was Zadok who fulfilled God’s word by taking the place of Abiathar, the last high priest in Eli’s line. But that is still around two generations down. The position of being Israel’s judge will be empty. God filled that gap of leadership by raising up a boy and train him from scratch. We would normally recruit the next best person in the land. There was no mention that all Israel became corrupted because of Eli’s family, so maybe there were some close-to-righteous enough with service credentials. But God chose Samuel. Still a boy whose mind is ready to absorb everything and whose heart is not yet set to pursue anything for anyone. As for the priesthood, Israel will still have to bear the burden of being ministered to by Eli’s descendants. That implies that God accepts the worship of His people regardless of who stands in between. Of course He detests seeing immoral shepherds, but His sovereignty will overrule their service and turn it around to serve His purposes. Many bad leaderships cause people to stand up for what is right and call on to the One True God for a righteous rule. Not that darkness will make His light shine more, for darkness and light are both alike to Him. He does not need anything to complete Him, but can use even the darkness to work for Him. We cannot boast of any position or status or name, for no one is indispensable in the Lord’s service. No one can keep what God will take away. It’s high time we acknowledge Who rules above all.

Application:

Ten years ago, our Ministry Director presented to us a ten-year plan and said, “This is where we believe God is leading us, and it will come to pass whether we join Him or not. The question now is, are you coming with us?” No one is indispensable in God’s work. He can even do it alone. In His goodness He shares it with us so we can also share in His suffering and joy. The moment we turn our backs from faithful service, He will readily raise up someone in our stead, sometimes even those ‘who-would-have-ever-thought’ individuals and surprise everyone by surpassing your excellence. The God who is at work in us is the same God who can empower another. We are merely vessels with which His blessings overflow. Pride comes before destruction and an arrogant attitude precedes a fall.  ‘In Christ alone’ is a good closing song reminder for us: ‘in every victory, let it be said of me. My source of strength, my source of hope, is Christ alone!’