In the Book of Samuel, we read about the difficulties that existed in the time of the Judges due to the lack of zeal for the belief in GOD Almighty. People had decided to have lukewarm worship either because of idolatry or because they had decided to forget about GOD Almighty. The time of Judges describes a difficult time when Israel is having difficulties with the surrounding nations.
We read that the Philistines and other nations were allowed to continue in order to cause difficulties for Israel when they decided to worship idols or forget about their belief in GOD Almighty. There are specific battles that the Philistines are able to cause difficulty to the people of Israel. We learn that the only manner that Israel experiences renewal and restoration is through the belief and repentance of sin.
We learn that Eli and his sons were priests that were at Shiloh and were instructed to serve GOD Almighty and the people of Israel. We learn that Eli is described in positive terms while the sons of Eli were not described in positive terms. We learn that there is even the description of having contempt for the things that were of GOD Almighty. We learn that GOD Almighty raises up Samuel to help the people return to the belief in GOD Almighty.
We learn that this contrast is seen in other times in Scripture. When Jesus Christ arrives to earth and ministers to the people of Israel, we learn about the Pharisees that were not fulfilling their purpose from GOD Almighty. They had decided to add commandments and place the things of the world as more important than the belief in GOD Almighty. For this, King Jesus Christ preached and ministered to the people of Israel so that they could see their faith increased.
We see something similar exist in the time of Samuel when Israel does not have righteous examples and see those negative examples of the son's of Eli. For this, GOD Almighty raises up Samuel to be a prophet that would be consecrated for GOD Almighty and would provide encouragement to Israel and tell Israel to return to GOD Almighty. We learn that Israel listens to Samuel and returns to GOD Almighty.
We learn that the Philistines have difficulties and Israel is protected from the Philistines. We learn that the belief of Israel for GOD Almighty, allows them to abound again. We learn that the faith and belief in GOD Almighty is able to change everything. Israel has peace, their enemies are defeated, and they are able to gain wisdom through the word of GOD Almighty.
We are reminded as individuals that GOD Almighty wants us to worship GOD Almighty with zeal, whole hearted devotion, and true faith. Our intentions, actions, and words must glorify GOD Almighty because we want to and not because we have to. We learn that there is that distinction that exists between the righteous and those that have lukewarm faith.
GOD Almighty gives grace and allows individuals to repent from their sins. We learn that the sons of Eli were told to repent and did not want to repent. For this, GOD Almighty affects the sons of Eli. We learn that Samuel is allowed to continue preaching and teaching the people of Israel so that they could repent and walk in the path of the righteous and experience renovation, restoration, and renewal.
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