Distress In My Dwelling

1 Samuel 2:12,29-32 – Eli’s sons were scoundrels; they had no regard for the Lord…Why do you scorn my sacrifice and offering that I prescribed for my dwelling? Why do you honor your sons more than me by fattening yourselves on the choice parts of every offering made by my people Israel?’ “Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that members of your family would minister before me forever.’ But now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained. The time is coming when I will cut short your strength and the strength of your priestly house, so that no one in it will reach old age, and you will see distress in my dwelling. Although good will be done to Israel, no one in your family line will ever reach old age.

1 Samuel 21:4 – But the priest answered David, “I don’t have any ordinary bread on hand; however, there is some consecrated bread here—provided the men have kept themselves from women.”

Application:

• ·         In Old Testament usage, to “know” the Lord is not just intellectual or theoretical recognition. It is to enter into fellowship with Him and acknowledge His claims on one’s life.
• ·         Spiritual privileges bring responsibilities and obligations; they are not to be treated as irrevocable rights.
• ·         The ceremonial law was not to be viewed in a legalistic manner. It is always lawful to do good and to save life. Such compassionate acts are within the true spirit of the law.

All Scripture verses taken from NIV