April 1st, 2025
by Jeremy Erb
by Jeremy Erb
The Weight of Our Choices: Honoring God in a World of Contempt
In the tapestry of human history, few stories resonate as deeply as those that remind us of the profound consequences of our choices. The ancient tale of Eli and his sons serves as a stark reminder of how easily we can lose our way, even when we occupy positions of spiritual authority.
Imagine a world where those entrusted with sacred duties treat their calling with utter contempt. This was the reality in ancient Israel, where Eli's sons, meant to be priests serving God, instead used their position for personal gain and gratification. They took the best portions of sacrifices for themselves, even before the offerings were made to God. Worse still, they abused their power to exploit women serving at the tabernacle.
This behavior didn't occur in a vacuum. Eli, their father and the high priest, knew of their misdeeds but failed to take decisive action until it was far too late. His reluctance to confront his sons' sins ultimately led to divine judgment not just on them, but on Eli's entire lineage.
The story serves as a powerful warning: God will not be mocked. While He gives us the freedom to make our choices, we cannot escape the consequences of those decisions. As the apostle Paul would later write, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows" (Galatians 6:7).
But amidst this cautionary tale, a glimmer of hope emerges. God promises to raise up a faithful priest who will do according to what is in His heart and mind. This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest who perfectly embodies faithfulness to God.
The contrast between Eli's sons and Jesus couldn't be starker. Where they used their position for self-serving ends, Jesus came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. He is the one who sympathizes with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin.
This brings us to a crucial point of reflection: How often do we, like Eli's sons, treat God's grace with contempt? It's easy to fall into the trap of cheap grace – the idea that because forgiveness is freely available, we can live however we please. But true grace, while free, is never cheap. It cost God the life of His Son.
The writer of Hebrews encourages us to "approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). This invitation is not just about receiving forgiveness after we've sinned, but about finding the strength to resist temptation in the first place.
Jesus offers us more than just a ticket out of hell; He offers transformation. He came to make us who we were always meant to be, empowering us to do the things God created us to do. This is the essence of the new covenant – not just forgiveness, but the power to live a new life.
However, with this incredible offer comes a sobering warning. The author of Hebrews cautions against continuing to sin deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth. This isn't suggesting that God's grace has limits, but rather that a life of persistent, willful sin reveals a heart that hasn't truly grasped or accepted God's grace.
The choice, then, is ours. Will we, like Eli's sons, treat our spiritual heritage with contempt? Or will we, like Jesus, align ourselves with God's heart and purpose? The consequences of this decision are eternal.
In our modern world, it's easy to see parallels to Eli's sons. We witness religious leaders who exploit their positions for personal gain, politicians who promise integrity but deliver corruption, and individuals who claim faith but live in stark contradiction to its principles. These stories should serve not as opportunities for judgment, but as mirrors for self-reflection.
How often do we honor other things – career, family, personal desires – above God? In what ways might we be using our faith as a means to an end rather than truly serving God? These are uncomfortable questions, but necessary ones if we're to avoid the fate of those who treated God with contempt.
The good news is that we have a High Priest who understands our struggles. Jesus, having experienced the full range of human temptation, stands ready to offer mercy and grace in our time of need. He invites us to draw near with confidence, not based on our own merits, but on His faithfulness.
This invitation extends beyond individual piety. We're called to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (Hebrews 10:24). Our need for Jesus and for His people intensifies as life becomes more challenging and the world grows darker. We weren't meant to walk this path alone.
As we reflect on these truths, let's remember that every day presents us with choices. Will we honor God in our decisions, or will we treat His grace with contempt? Will we draw near to the throne of grace for help in temptation, or will we rely on our own strength and inevitably fall?
The story of Eli and his sons, juxtaposed with the faithfulness of Jesus, challenges us to examine our hearts and actions. It reminds us that while God's grace is freely given, it should never be taken for granted. Instead, it should inspire us to live lives that reflect the transforming power of that grace.
In a world that often treats the sacred with contempt, may we be those who honor God not just with our words, but with our choices, our priorities, and our very lives. For it is indeed "a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:31), but it is a glorious thing to experience the fullness of His grace and mercy.
In the tapestry of human history, few stories resonate as deeply as those that remind us of the profound consequences of our choices. The ancient tale of Eli and his sons serves as a stark reminder of how easily we can lose our way, even when we occupy positions of spiritual authority.
Imagine a world where those entrusted with sacred duties treat their calling with utter contempt. This was the reality in ancient Israel, where Eli's sons, meant to be priests serving God, instead used their position for personal gain and gratification. They took the best portions of sacrifices for themselves, even before the offerings were made to God. Worse still, they abused their power to exploit women serving at the tabernacle.
This behavior didn't occur in a vacuum. Eli, their father and the high priest, knew of their misdeeds but failed to take decisive action until it was far too late. His reluctance to confront his sons' sins ultimately led to divine judgment not just on them, but on Eli's entire lineage.
The story serves as a powerful warning: God will not be mocked. While He gives us the freedom to make our choices, we cannot escape the consequences of those decisions. As the apostle Paul would later write, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows" (Galatians 6:7).
But amidst this cautionary tale, a glimmer of hope emerges. God promises to raise up a faithful priest who will do according to what is in His heart and mind. This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest who perfectly embodies faithfulness to God.
The contrast between Eli's sons and Jesus couldn't be starker. Where they used their position for self-serving ends, Jesus came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. He is the one who sympathizes with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin.
This brings us to a crucial point of reflection: How often do we, like Eli's sons, treat God's grace with contempt? It's easy to fall into the trap of cheap grace – the idea that because forgiveness is freely available, we can live however we please. But true grace, while free, is never cheap. It cost God the life of His Son.
The writer of Hebrews encourages us to "approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). This invitation is not just about receiving forgiveness after we've sinned, but about finding the strength to resist temptation in the first place.
Jesus offers us more than just a ticket out of hell; He offers transformation. He came to make us who we were always meant to be, empowering us to do the things God created us to do. This is the essence of the new covenant – not just forgiveness, but the power to live a new life.
However, with this incredible offer comes a sobering warning. The author of Hebrews cautions against continuing to sin deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth. This isn't suggesting that God's grace has limits, but rather that a life of persistent, willful sin reveals a heart that hasn't truly grasped or accepted God's grace.
The choice, then, is ours. Will we, like Eli's sons, treat our spiritual heritage with contempt? Or will we, like Jesus, align ourselves with God's heart and purpose? The consequences of this decision are eternal.
In our modern world, it's easy to see parallels to Eli's sons. We witness religious leaders who exploit their positions for personal gain, politicians who promise integrity but deliver corruption, and individuals who claim faith but live in stark contradiction to its principles. These stories should serve not as opportunities for judgment, but as mirrors for self-reflection.
How often do we honor other things – career, family, personal desires – above God? In what ways might we be using our faith as a means to an end rather than truly serving God? These are uncomfortable questions, but necessary ones if we're to avoid the fate of those who treated God with contempt.
The good news is that we have a High Priest who understands our struggles. Jesus, having experienced the full range of human temptation, stands ready to offer mercy and grace in our time of need. He invites us to draw near with confidence, not based on our own merits, but on His faithfulness.
This invitation extends beyond individual piety. We're called to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (Hebrews 10:24). Our need for Jesus and for His people intensifies as life becomes more challenging and the world grows darker. We weren't meant to walk this path alone.
As we reflect on these truths, let's remember that every day presents us with choices. Will we honor God in our decisions, or will we treat His grace with contempt? Will we draw near to the throne of grace for help in temptation, or will we rely on our own strength and inevitably fall?
The story of Eli and his sons, juxtaposed with the faithfulness of Jesus, challenges us to examine our hearts and actions. It reminds us that while God's grace is freely given, it should never be taken for granted. Instead, it should inspire us to live lives that reflect the transforming power of that grace.
In a world that often treats the sacred with contempt, may we be those who honor God not just with our words, but with our choices, our priorities, and our very lives. For it is indeed "a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:31), but it is a glorious thing to experience the fullness of His grace and mercy.
Posted in Kingdom
No Comments