RPG Adults
THE CONSEQUENCES OF ABUSED GRACE
THURSDAY, MARCH 16
1 Samuel 2:27-36
Ephesians 5:1-13
“Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice
and at mine offering…”
THE CONSEQUENCES OF ABUSED GRACE
In the previous section, we saw the darkness in the high priest’s house in the form of the rebellion of Eli’s sons. And we saw the light of grace in the child Samuel’s growth. In the midst of the account is given the response of Eli himself. He spoke against the rebellion, but did not act against it. In today’s section, we see God moving to act against the sin in Eli’s house.
“And there came a man of God unto Eli…” (1 Sam 2:27). The message that the man of God brought to Eli concerned the privilege and the duty of the service of the house of God. The message began with a reminder of the grace and kindness extended to the house of Aaron in calling them to minister to God. There was no reason for the greed of the sons of Eli, for God in His call to them had made provisions for their care and their wellbeing in that He had given “unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel” (1 Sam 2:28). The LORD then asked for the reason for the degeneration of the priests in their performance of their high calling, and with the question comes the charge that Eli had preferred his sons above the LORD. They were given a great privilege to partake of what was brought for the LORD, but instead they stole from the LORD. Contentment with our portion is most necessary in serving God.
“…them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed” (1 Sam 2:30). The message concludes with judgment on the rebellious house and saving grace on the people of God. God’s purposes are firm, but they are founded on obedience and allegiance to God. When there is departure from God, we deprive and disqualify ourselves from the purposes and designs of God. God’s purpose for the priesthood was withdrawn from Eli and his house, but the purposes and design for Israel would still be sustained and established forever. Those who degrade God’s call and ordinances are the ones who will end up degraded and destroyed; God’s purposes will never be defeated.
THOUGHT: When we twist God’s Word, we twist to our own doom.
PRAYER: Forgive me, Father, for my failings. Strengthen me for Thy service.