| Whatsoever
Things Are True
by Dan Coburn Pastor, Emmanuel Baptist Church pastordan@mtida.net Most of us are very familiar with the story of Hannah, her plight, her commitment and her deliverance. But do you remember the priest w/whom she dealt? His name was Eli, and he had two sons - Hophni and Phinehas who were also priests. They are who I want to talk about. Although Eli evidently was allowed to perform his priestly duties from day to day, God had something against him as revealed in the encounter young Samuel had with The Lord. "See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle. At that time I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family from beginning to end. For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons blasphemed God, and he failed to restrain them. Therefore I swore to the house of Eli, 'the guilt of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.'" How did this play out? Israel went out to fight against the oppressive Philistines, but were defeated badly in that about four thousand Israelites died in battle. "How could this happen?" said the elders. "This time, let's bring the ark of the Lord's covenant from Shiloh, so that he may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies". Eli's two sons accompanied The Ark, and when the people saw it they shouted so loudly the ground shook, and the Philistines were afraid. Victory you think? Not so much. It wasn't even close. The Philistines prevailed but not before Israel lost Thirty Thousand foot soldiers, Eli's two sons were dead and the Philistines were in proud possession of The Ark of The Lord. Upon hearing the report of the battle, the elderly Eli fell back in his chair and broke his neck. Since the meat of the word is always Application, Let's turn the Spiritual Switch: Point 1). The truth is the truth regardless of the messenger. God allowed Eli to function in a leadership role for many years, but Eli was not enjoying the favor of God. This should be a wakeup call to those of God ordained authority. Question: What would Eli's ministry have looked like if he did have God's favor? What was his sin? His sons were in rebellion and Eli evidently didn't confront them. Hmm? Can you say Church Discipline? Fasten your pewbelt. I can't tell you how many professing Christians I talk to who tell me their children are not just living a sinful life, but are in celebration of the fact and the parents say something like: "It's OK junior. The most important thing is that you are happy". WHAT?? Nothing, and I mean nothing trumps the Objective Truth of God. I'm not saying we lock up our adult children, or beat them into submission. I am saying we must tell them the truth in love. Absent that, we will regret it forever, and God Cannot Bless us. Psalm 69:6 and 66:18. This sin doesn't just effect us, but our family, our Church and our Nation as God Cares about His reputation, which we (want to or not) carry. When did we decide that the potential of hurting someone's feelings was worth more than affecting their eternal destiny? Point 2) The people were pretty sure the Ark was their salvation. Nugget: The Ark, like Baptism and The Lord's Supper are supposed to be pointers (pointing to Christ) which have become the object. It is amazing what folks trust in. God told Eli no amount of sacrifice would cover his unrepentant sin, and that of his sons. I talk to people all the time who say: "I know I'm going to heaven cause I belong to this church or that. I was baptized. I did a mission trip. I knock on so many doors per week. I tithe". Some folks told Jesus: "Don't threaten us, we have nothing to fear as we are descendants of Abraham". His response? "I could make descendants of Abraham out of these rocks if I wanted to". "But we have the temple" some exclaimed. Jesus said: "I will tear down this temple and rebuild it in three days." The Truth is, Many believe they have Jesus while He pointedly asks: "Why do you call me Lord and do not what I say?". We are to be the "called out ones", who have separated themselves from the world, but we look just like the world. Editor's note: My facebook time has been dramatically reduced. Why? I accept about a friend request per week while I unfollow at twice that rate. Because professed Christians brag about their ability to cuss. They post things with F-Bombs flying off the screen and out of the speakers, and comment LOL!! Then they post again asking for God's deliverance from a situation or circumstance. James says: "Same breath blessing and cursing. Brothers this ought not be". Paul says this "evil speech" should not even be named among us. What would our lives be like if we began to take our Christian Reputation seriously? What would our Church be like? What would our country look like -- or are the Philistines at the gate even now? Who do you think you will call then? What will you trust in then? "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor? Or who has given a gift to Him that he might be repaid? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory for ever. Amen" Romans 11 Warning. We are soon to begin a series on Sunday evenings on "What does it mean to be Separated?" May God forgive us. |
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