Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking him to meet you and speak to you.
CONTEXT
Hophni and Phinehas were the sons of Eli. They were supposed to replace Eli when he died, but they had no respect for God.
Bible Reading
Now Eli was very old, and he kept hearing all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting. And he said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all these people. No, my sons; it is no good report that I hear the people of the LORD spreading abroad. If someone sins against a man, God will mediate for him, but if someone sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the LORD to put them to death.
Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the LORD and also with man.
– 1 Samuel 2:22-26
Devotion
All sin, our sin, is against God. Who will intercede for us? It’s sad that Eli’s sons had hard hearts and refused to listen to God’s voice. What is the condition of your heart? Are you listening to God’s instruction?
Thankfully, we have an advocate. Even though we’ve sinned against God, by faith in Jesus we have an intercessor – One who takes away our sin and pleads our innocence before God. “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died-more than that, who was raised-who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” (Romans 8:33-34)
The Big Question
Have you admitted your sinfulness to God, or are you holding on to doing life your own way? Jesus came to pay the just penalty for your sin and mine. Through faith in Him we can have a new life, a different life – REAL LIFE.
Conclude in prayer and silence reflecting on what you’ve learned.