The Work of God

"And it came about when Samuel was old that he appointed his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judging in Beersheba. His sons, however, did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after dishonest gain and took bribes and perverted justice." -1 Samuel 8.1-3

Samuel is old, and he knows that he cannot continue as Israel's judge forever. He appoints his sons to take his place so that Israel will not be leaderless. However, his sons are not righteous men. They don't live as Samuel does. They take the position of power, but not for the purpose of serving and bettering the lives of the people. They take it and realize that there is the potential for them to become rich and comfortable. They are bought off and don't act justly.

Samuel didn't have a relationship with his biological father, he was raised by Eli in the temple. Both of Eli's sons were worthless men, because Eli wasn't involved in their lives as he should have been. Samuel learned by watching Eli. The end of chapter 7 tells of Samuel's ministry, how he would go on a circuit each year, and then return home where he had an altar built. The text doesn't tell us how he was at as a father, but if I had to guess, I'm betting he followed Eli's example. The work of God took him from his family, and, based on the results, seems to have been his primary focus.

What would have happened if he had taken his sons along on his circuit ride? He might have, we aren't told either way, but what if his main focus was on investing in his sons and raising them to be godly leaders? In the next verse we see that the people of Israel are aware of the actions of Samuel's sons, and they ask for a king. His sons are not like him, and the people know it.

Men, are you investing in your children? Or do they take a backseat to your career? I've known many pastor's kids who grow up angry at the church because it took their father away from them. They want nothing to do with God because their dad was never around. How many sports orphans are there? How many dad's are just "too busy" working on their own thing to invest in their kids?

Someone else can do your job. Someone else can do the work of the church. Your sports hero will get by without your support. But no one else can be a father to your children. Being a father is the most important work God has given you to do.

Let us be men who invest in our families. Let us be men who teach our children to love and serve God. Let us be men who do the work of God.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor