The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 20 September 2024 — Consequences Of Sin
TOPIC: Consequences Of Sin
READ: 1 Samuel2: 22-36 (KJV)
22 Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
23 And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.
24 Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord’s people to transgress.
25 If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the Lord would slay them.
26 And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the Lord, and also with men.
27 And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh’s house?
28 And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?
29 Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?
30 Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
31 Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father’s house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.
32 And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever.
33 And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age.
34 And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.
35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.
36 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests’ offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.
THE MESSAGE:
Aged Eli heard of the wicked acts of his sons, including sexual immorality, and briefly cautioned them. The young priests neglected his advice. Meanwhile, the child Samuel developed in stature and favour with God and men. A man of God came and prophesied to Eli that God was displeased with him and his children, and would honour only those who honoured Him, and destroy all the descendants of his house. The man of God also gave Eli a sign that his sons would die on the same day. God would then raise for Himself a faithful priest who would be obedient to Him. Sin attracts punishment and could lead to death (Rom. 6: 23a). Although their father cautioned them, Eli’s sons refused to take his advice. Are you a young person that neglects the advice of your parents, teachers and spiritual leaders? Sin has consequences! It brought total calamity to Eli’s household and his future generations.
Is your sin affecting your wife, husband, children, parents and relatives? Run away from sin before it destroys you and your future. Confess your sins to God and ask Christ to come and take control of your life right now.
PRAYER: Loving Father; I confess my sins and ask for forgiveness. Jesus, please come into my life I pray, Amen.
