TUESDAY October 23, 2018
Obedience
So Samuel lay down until morning, and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel was afraid to tell Eli the vision. Then Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son!” He answered, “Here I am.”
1 Samuel 3:15-16
Eli the priest failed to hear the warnings of God, until finally he found himself placed on the shelf––unusable. God could no longer use his life. Eli never disciplined his sons; he should have taken care of it. What happened? From the time the prophecy was given, God’s judgment fell on his entire family. Eli and his sons would all die, and no one left in his family would come into the priesthood. What a terrible curse! Eli suffered great consequences for knowing about his sons’ sins, and yet, doing nothing.
It is possible as a leader to go through all the motions of serving the Lord, attend Bible studies, and yet come to a place where the home is neglected. If we do not set our priorities straight, it is possible that we too could be removed from the ministry. Paul gave the requirements to be in the ministry to Timothy. One of the requirements is found in 1 Timothy 3:4-5, and it stresses the necessity to have your home in order. A leader should be:
…one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?)
Notice how Samuel, as a young child, was obedient. He had to go and tell Eli the priest that God was going to bring His judgment. When God speaks to us, we must speak; we must not be afraid of man. The Bible says: The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe (Proverbs 29:25). When God prompts you by His Holy Spirit to share His Word with others, He will give you the Words to say.
“For you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord.
~Jeremiah 1:7-8~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!