ESOCS Devotional 10 October 2022
TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 3:1-18
MEMORY VERSE: “In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them. And therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.” 1 Samuel 3:12-14
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
Godly parents do not always produce godly children. There are many cases of “pastors” and devout Christians whose children turn out to be a great disappointment to their parents. They have not followed the footsteps of their parents. Eli was a godly man who was very dedicated in the service of God, but his children were “sons of belial”. They were corrupt, adulterous, and did not revere God. Samuel’s children did not do much better. They also did not follow the footstep of their father. Samuel appointed them judges but they went after dishonest gains, accepted bribes, and perverted justice. Why does this happen?
Many times godly parents take the upbringing of their children for granted. They get too busy and too taken with the work of the ministry or with the duties of Christian life so much so that they do not have enough time to give the needed attention to the proper upbringing of their children. Sometimes too as in the case of Eli, parents do not put their feet on the ground and use their parental authority to curb disorderly behavior and ensure that children do the right thing and follow godliness. They fail to apply necessary discipline when the children are out of line. Rather they favor and tend to protect them from the consequences of their wrong deeds. The result will be children of godly parents who are not like their parents. In the case of Eli, the consequence was tragic.
Godly children are a basic need. It’s so important that it is a consideration in qualifying for the ministry. A man’s destiny is not just fulfilled in him but in his children; thus a man that produces ungodly children short changes himself (Gen 18:19). God desires a godly seed in the Children of His people (Mal 2:15). Christians must therefore take time to get their children to love and fear the Lord.
CHALLENGES
- What impression do you get when a man of God has immoral and wayward children?
- Can you think of five common errors parents make in child upbringing? Write them down.
PRAYERS:
- Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of children. Help us know your will and purpose for the precious gift you have given us in our children. Help us in all things to raise children who are in your image and likeness. Amen.
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ESOCS Devotional 10 October 2022
