Today’s Devotion 

Topic: Prayer Of Desperation

(Self Assessment 171)

Part 6

Background: So Samuel is still serving in the presence of the Lord at Shiloh, where Eli is high priest and we are still discussing the circumstances that led to his birth and service as a prophet of God later in life.

The objective is to try and uncover the socio-religious context within which Jehovah had hoped to use him when He (God) gifted Samuel to his mother in response to her prayer for a son.

Last week we discussed that Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, neither feared the Lord nor regarded His statutes. But what did that mean to God, and what was Eli doing about their behaviour? For answers to these and more, let us zoom straight into today’s Bible studies.

Text: 1 Samuel 2: 22- 26

22 Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 23 So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours. 24 No, my sons; the report I hear spreading among the Lord’s people is not good. 25 If one person sins against another, God may mediate for the offender; but if anyone sins against the Lord, who will intercede for them?” His sons, however, did not listen to their father’s rebuke, for it was the Lord’s will to put them to death. 26 And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favour with the Lord and with people. Amen

Questions: 

1. Kindly read verse 22 again:

a) What was the report Eli was hearing about his sons?

b) What do you personally think or make of these reports, if they were true?

c) Do you think similar things happen in our churches today? If so, what do you think are the factors leading to that?

2. In verse 23-24 we see Eli confront his sons about the bad reports he was getting about them although he was old. What can you say then about today’s parents and guardians who have a mindset to leave their wards to any lifestyle they choose, once they get to a certain age?

3. Read verse 25 again. What do you make of the advice Eli gave his sons? Do you agree with him? If so, why; if not, why not?

4. “Eli’s sons did not listen to their father’s rebuke, for it was the Lord’s will to put them to death.” Reflect on this and possibly explain why this was so. Is there a lesson therein for us as we continuously refuse to heed godly counsel and reproach?

5. As all these things were going on in the presence of God, the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favour with the Lord and with people. How does this encourage your faith to dare to stand for righteousness when even the very ‘elect’ seem to be failing the Lord?

6. What have you learnt from today’s discussion?

Kindly reply through these same social media platforms​ (Facebook & WhatsApp). We learn a great deal from the answers you share with us.

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