“I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family, because his sons are blaspheming God and he hasn’t disciplined them…his sons will never be forgiven…”
1st Samuel 3:13-14 (NLT)
Eli, as priest and parent, presents a difficult but cautionary story for parents. He was an Old Testament character with a very modern-day problem. He knew God and served Him well, but he failed to properly discipline his sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Eli’s poor parenting led to his sons bringing grief and ruin into their family (1st Samuel 2:12-36).
Eli lacked two important qualities needed for effective parental discipline: firm resolve and corrective action. He responded to situations rather than solving them (1st Samuel 3:13). God pointed out Eli’s sons’ errors but he did little to correct them.
The contrast is that God gave a warning, spelled out the consequences of disobedience, and then acted; Eli only warned.
Children need to learn that their parents’ words and actions go together. Both love and discipline must be spoken as well as acted out.
As parents, we must view the Bible as more than a respectable, religious Book (or relic). Acknowledge it for what it is – the sharp and effective Word of God by which we ought to order our lives. Our attitude toward it is largely shaped by our relationship to the God from Whom it comes. The Word of God is the Manual for our daily lives, so it should not be stored away. It must be studied, used, and obeyed (Joshua 1:8).
As priests in the home, parents have the responsibility to be godly examples to their children, and lead them in the ways of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). The absence of the father figure in the home does not prevent the mother from performing a priestly role (1st Peter 2:9).
Eli had spent his entire life in service to God – to oversee all the worship in Israel – he successfully mentored Samuel at the tabernacle. But while pursuing his daily duties, he neglected the responsibilities in his home (1st Samuel 2:25). Don’t let your desire to do God’s work cause you to neglect your family.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, how kind You are to give us the privilege of prayer! What incredible things can be accomplished! Lord, give grace to me to stay very close to You so that I never stop praying. May my children/grandchildren see my devotion to You as a declaration of dependence on You that they will always remember in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Read: 1 Samuel 2:12; 1 Kings 2:26-27
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 103:1-12; 2 Corinthians 1:1-11; 2 Chronicles 26; 2 Chronicles 27; 2 Chronicles 28