Inmany ways, Eli‘s rebuke to his sons is "too little, too late because thedamage has already been done. - P136
The man of God‘s indictment of Eli isquite severe: by honoring his sons more than God, Eli is actually scorningthe Lord and
forfeits the high calling that God had placed uponhis life. - P136
It is impossible for us to please God when our desire to pleasepeople even our nearest and dearest-is greater. - P136
Having to go againstthe wishes of others can be uncomfortable, but we must remember whoit is we are serving. - P136
When we choose to obey God‘s commands, He willhonor us and His honor is much more valuable than any honor anyperson can give to us. - P136
The judgment delivered against Eli and his sons is severe: death, destitu-tion, and disgrace. But consider what they have done. - P136
Eli and his sonswere given all they needed to flourish-God had called them
as priestsand sought to raise them up. - P136
But they fell victim to the empty promisesof this world. God invites each of us to participate in His kingdomwork, and He promises to provide all that we need so that we can befaithful. - P136
So when we choose disobedience, we miss out on being usedand transformed by God. - P136
The good news is that God is patient andmerciful, and when we turn back from our sin and walk with Him, weget to participate in the abundant life He has reserved for us. - P136
Heavenly Father, I confess my desire to please people rather than please You.
- P137
Remind me anew of who You are and of how You have called me to serveYou and love others. - P137
Use me as an ambassador of Your kingdom. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P137
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word ofthe LORD had not yet been revealed to him.
7 Samuel did not yet know the LORD because he had never had a message from theLORD before. - P138
8A third time the LORD called, "Samuel!" And Samuelgot up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you calledme." Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. - P139
9 So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he callsyou, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening."" SoSamuel went and lay down in his place. - P139
13 For I told him that I would judge his family foreverbecause of the sin he knew about; his sons blasphemedGod, and he failed to restrain them.
14 Therefore I swore to the house of Eli, "The guilt ofEli‘s house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or of-fering. - P139
Samuel ministers before the Lord under Eli. One night, while Samuel is lyingdown in the house of the Lord, the Lord calls him. - P139
Samuel thinks it is Eli callinghim and only realizes it is the Lord after the third time. - P139
God tells Samuel thatHe will judge Eli‘s family because his sons blasphemed Him. - P139
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