"When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice." ~ 1 Samuel 8:1-3
I read this the other day, and it stuck with me. Mostly because it called to mind the fact that many righteous men in the Bible - David, Eli, etc - had wicked sons. It is a grave reminder of the fact that children of believers are not necessarily saved. They don't have some sort of "get out of jail free" card.
You hear about such things today, too - how children of great and wise leaders, pastors, and theologians turn away from their faith.
Samuel's sons are just another glimpse at the depravity of men.
They had the knowledge. They were taught about God all their lives.
They saw their father live out his life in obedience to God.
And they still turned away.
It makes you wonder why Samuel made them judges. I think it's probably because they talked the talk. They knew what to say. They knew how to act - until sin came along and tempted them in the form of unjust gain. They talked the talk but very quickly proved that they could not walk the walk.
It's the same nowadays. Children might be able to fool their parents by their speech, but they can't fool God and they can't produce fruit if they have no root. That's why the Bible says even a child is known by his actions.
That's why the Christian parents I know pray for their children. They don't take salvation for granted - it's by God's grace. It's always by God's grace, never by who your parents are or what family you are a part of. Samuel's sons, David's sons and Eli's sons are all testimonies to that fact.
It's one of the biggest burdens a parent can carry - not knowing if one of their children has been born again by the Spirit of God.
ReplyDeleteAt the same time, it's a great lesson in trust. God is Good. He will do all His holy will. He is completely trustworthy, all of the time. We can rejoice fully when we see His work of regeneration in any of our loved ones, knowing that it is a miracle of grace.
Great thoughts, my darling daughter.
Hmmm. Why do your posts show up in my list days later??
ReplyDeleteYes. Definitely something I worry and pray about. But I can only trust God, and whatever happens I hope to be able to truly say it's all for God's glory.
I don't think they really do - I published this on the evening of the 23rd, though it says it was on the 19th. Probably because I had the draft written and saved on the 19th.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading the posts on your blog. I would like to invite you to come on over to my blog and check it out. God bless, Lloyd
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