Eli And Samuel

A long time ago, there lived a man called Eli. He was a priest. He encountered a woman named Hannah, who gave birth to a boy called Samuel who became his (Eli’s ) successor . This boy also prophesied doom to Eli and his household. See the story in 1 Samuel. Let us pick a few points for us to digest from this occurrence that brought forth one of the greatest men of GOD ever Samuel.

i.) Hannah, Samuel’s mother, greatly motivated by her shame due to childlessness had gone to the LORD for help. Hannah went to the LORD. She had waited a long time. She had suffered great humiliation and embarrassment. In her problem, she went to the LORD. The LORD as always faithful kept HIS side of the bargain, Hannah kept hers and her prayer is recorded in Samuel 2. To this day, the testimony and miracle of Hannah stands. We all know Samuel and his life is recorded in scriptures for all to see.

Hannah could have helped herself, she could have gone to all sorts of places for help, but she didn’t, she went to The LORD. Now, this modern day jezebelic generation manufactures its own miracles and testimonies, then comes and tries to do a Samuel 2. The pulpits are full of crazy things and testimonies which The LORD HIMSELF is not part of. You, cannot mock GOD. Doesn't JESUS HIMSELF say that HE will disown some workers who did "good works" in HIS NAME?

In the world money laundering is viewed as illegal and immoral but not in the house of GOD. Nowadays, the church has become a laundry, we have testimony laundering and sanitizing of circumstances. The result, the flock believes that GOD is a magician, an instant coffee maker, a microwave. We have incidences of people who sold their souls to satan, made millions or “made it in this life”, and come to church, and testify and give the glory to GOD! People corrupt in business, corrupt in politics, corrupt in all manners, come and attribute their success to the LORD. Witchcraft, manipulation and rebellion are practiced openly and glory given to The LORD and it is acceptable in church! Please, brethren, stop this madness. Remember Ananias and Saphira. You cannot sanctify wickedness. You turn away from it, and neither do you broadcast and market wickedness in the church, you turn away from it and shun it. GOD does not need your help; he is GOD all by HIMSELF.

ii.) Hannah prayed fervently. The priest Eli was not ministering to the LORD or praying but he was seated, watching Hannah’s mouth. 1Samuel 1:9,1Sam 1:12

Later on, 1Sam 4:18 further describes the result of this sitting and watching others in the presence of The LORD. The man was old and heavy. Contrast this with Moses who walked to his death full of vigor and life.

Now, Beloved, what are you doing in the house of The LORD? Are you sitting, relaxed watching others seeking The LORD? Are you sitting down passing judgment on people in the house of the LORD, calling them drunk, possessed, yet they are grieved, instead of ministering to them and interceding for them? The LORD will answer them through you and as for you total disaster will overtake you.

The LORD values HIS sheep, don’t ever forget that, and HE will answer them. Has HE not said to them, “...you will find ME when you seek ME with all your heart...” and they will seek HIM and find HIM in that place you minister, and you , you may miss it altogether if you do not straighten your affairs with The LORD and HIS Salvation, JESUS CHRIST and HIS work on this earth.

iii.) One of the things that Eli did that annoyed The LORD was that Eli did not correct his sons with the authority of a father and a priest. He let them get away with doing as they pleased in the house of the LORD. He made an attempt to do so in I Samuel 2: 22-25, but this attempt did not yield fruit. Eli could have done more starting from the time they were young. He could have removed them from service, done the service himself and trusted GOD to bring help. But the scripture tells us that Eli was ‘sitting’ in the ministry. I think Eli was not serious with the things of The LORD having being born into the ministry. It was common and usual for him. Note that He knew when The LORD was talking to Samuel but he kept his distance. Eli commonized , if there is such a word, the LORD and the anointing. Beloved, are you doing the same?

A man of GOD came to Eli with a damning prophecy, a prophecy that was later reiterated by Samuel, in 1Sam3:18. The response of Eli is troubling. To me, it sounds extremely rude. Eli despised The LORD. 1 Sam 2:28, 1 Sam 2:30. Why didn’t he ask for mercy? Why didn't he leave the ministry and go face damnation elsewhere? Eli sounds hard hearted, proud and as one whom takes The LORD and HIS service for granted, and he reaped what he planted. Beloved, are you like this? GOD confirmed the word HE spoke through the man of GOD and through Samuel.