THE CALL OR THE FALL OF THE CHOSEN OF GOD
1 Samuel 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.
1 Samuel 3:7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.
Here are different settings of people who did not know the Lord, but their hearts were very different one from another.
IL.: A Navajo indian from the reservation of New Mexico went to visit a friend in NYC. As they were walking around the downtown area, the indian spoke. He said, "Listen, I hear the sound of a cricket." His friend responded, "you must be crazy. How could you possibly hear a cricket above all the noise of the city?" The indian walked a few steps where there was a bush. He moved a branch, and sure enough there was a cricket. His friend could hardly believe it. The indian tried to explain that it all had to do with a tuned-in ear. He then proceeded to give his friend and example. He took a handful of coins from his pocket and let them fall to the sidewalk. Almost everyone within a block turned around to investigate.
There is a natural hearing
There is a spiritual hearing
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith.
Sleeping Dangers. 1 Sam. 3:1-10
I. The Sleep Intrusions
Eli and Samuel both laid down with the intention of going to sleep. God speaks and Samuel hears His voice. Only Samuel gets up to investigate. Eli is comfortable in his bed and hears nothing from God. Eli does not even ask God about what may be going on. It would appear that Eli is more interested in sleeping than finding out what God has to say. After Samuel comes a third time to wake up Eli, the priest finally perceives that God really is talking to this young boy. Even with that revelation, Eli goes on back to his bedchamber.
A. The Sleep of Negligence
Eli knew full well about the vices of his own sons. The rumors and accusations had reached him more than once.
But Eli was distracted. After all, he was the priest and many things demanded his attention. His schedule was full of responsablilities.
He was distracted because this was a family matter. They are just youngsters sowing some wild oats. They will come around.
Too many people are big gossips; they need to keep quiet.
Or the age old excuse of correcting the matter a little later. Like tomorrow---tomorrow never comes.
Let us be very careful of the "distractions of life". Good intentions are not enough. Someone once said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Don't allow the GOOD become the enemy of the BEST.
B. The Sleep of Sin
Hophni and Phinehas were deceived.
They believed that their position in the temple was just a job.
The term "sons of Belial" meant "from the fallen angels" or "of no value".
The mentality was basically that of serving the Lord on Sunday and enjoy the pleasures of the world the rest of the week.
It was also a political matter for them. They figured that they were in line for promotions in the priesthood. They were going to take advantage of the extra bonuses.
They were sleeping the sleep of sin without considering its consequences.
C. A Sleep of False Security
Dad is the main man, he is the high priest.
We can make, break, and change the rules.
After all, no bolts of lightning have struck us.
Eccl. 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
Don't forget to whom we must give account.
Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
II. The Call
God call those whom He desires to call. One cannot or at least should not invent his or her calling. On the same note, no one should ignore their calling.
It is interesting to note that Samuel was ministering to God before he actually knew Him. Samuel made himself available for the service of God. He truly desired to be used for the glory of God. It wasn't about fame or recognition, neither about a nice position or great privileges.
I wonder how many miss the call of God because they do not give ample time and opportunity for God to show them some direction.
Others may have the charisma, the golden tongue, and the pedigree, but they are lacking a legitimate passion for the service.
Eli already had a cold heart. It would seem that his service as priest was out of habit and mechanical.
It is possible that Eli was a persuasive, motivational preacher, but he was a failure in raising his sons.
--the call of God must be evident in every area of our life
(It is intreresting to note that in the New Testament there is a parallel account:: Sceva, a high priest, with seven sons, who were also lost as a goose)
III. The Response
We can imagine that Eli simply turned over in his bed that night and went to sleep without any ado.
Until the next day. Eli demands that Samuel tell him what the Lord had said. (1 Sam. 3:17)
***Samuel listened because he wanted to hear.
Samuel was sensitive to the voice of the Lord.
Eli and his sons had got to the place where they no longer heard from God. They fulfilled their obligations in the temple out of duty. There was no love in it.
They were like those that Jeremiah spoke about.
Jeremiah 17:23 But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction.
Eli and his sons had lost any personal relationship that they once had with God. Their rebellion took them to a place where there was no pardon for their acts. God was cutting them off.
Take it seriously.
Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.(God does not change His mind. Those He calls, He expects them to carry on.)
IL: The early part of the 20th century. There was a job post available at the telegraph office for a man who was knowledgeable in "Morse Code". A young man walked in, gave his name to the receptionist and took a seat in a room with seven others who were awaiting their turn. In a little while, the young man gets up and marches into the supervisors' office. In short order, the supervisor walks out with the young man and announces that the job has been filled.
The other men started grumbling and complaining, stating that this was not fair. They had all been waiting longer than him for an interview. The supervisor explained that all had been fair. He had sent out a message in morse code over a loud speaker. The morse code said "If you understand this message, come immediately to the office, the job is yours."
How tuned in are you to Jesus?
