The scripture for today, February 29, is 1st Samuel 2:29 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:
” ‘Why do you scorn my sacrifice and offering that I prescribed for my dwelling? Why do you honor your sons more than me by fattening yourselves on the choice parts of every offering made by my people Israel?’ “
This is God talking to the high priest Eli. The high priest who held his office until he was a very old man. The high priest who raised one of the greatest prophets in history, Samuel, to manhood.
As successful as Eli seemed, when it came to choosing between his family and God, he chose his family. His sons were priests and taking more than they were allowed of the people’s offerings at the tabernacle. God finally punished them himself because Eli never did, and God’s punishment was much more severe.
But Eli did not want to hurt the feelings of his sons. Eli didn’t want to alienate his sons. Eli wanted his sons to like him.
Did he not think about the fact that he was hurting the feelings of God? Did he not care that he was alienating God? Did it occur to him how serious it was to let his sons have their own way instead of letting God have his own way?
Is that what is happening in your family? On Sunday mornings, if your family would rather watch a favorite TV program than worship God, who do you give in to? On Sunday nights, if your children think it’s more important to get school clothes or supplies than worship God, who do you give in to? On Wednesday nights, if some family members want to participate in a team activity instead of learning what to do to save their eternal souls from hell, who do you give in to?
“What good is it…to gain the whole world, yet forfeit [your] soul?” (Mark 8:36)
Nice post! I used to attend all the church meeting until I can no longer do so because of health issues. I miss them and the fellowship.
My dear one, I can only imagine what it is like to not be able to attend worship, be encouraged and be able to encourage others. I wrote a book last year called “You Can Be A Hero Alone”. I teach English over the internet using the Bible as a text book. Nearly all my students are Muslims and I have converts in hiding all over the Middle East. I originally wrote the book for them because many have never even seen another Christian. But I later decided it would be a good book for others who are isolated from the church as you are. Please remember that you are not forgotten.
http://inspirationsbykatheryn.com/1107-2/you-can-be-a-hero-alone-survival-stories-for-the-isolated-christian/