1 Samuel 2 Devotions by Stephen Taylor

1 Samuel 2:11

Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy ministered before the LORD under Eli the priest.

1 Samuel 2:12- Eli's sons were scoundrels; they had no regard for the LORD.

These verses show the sharp contrast between the boy Samuel and Eli's two grown sons. This tells us a few things about Samuel; that he served the Lord from his heart and that it's never too early to start serving the Lord. It also tells us a couple of things about Eli's sons; that they served the Lord for personal gain or out of obligation, and just because your parents serve the Lord from their heart doesn't automatically mean you will also. In both cases, we see that age doesn't determine your faith.

Although Eli's sons had been around the Lord and His priesthood all of their lives, they paid no more attention to Him than a pagan would. And though Samuel was just a boy, he served the Lord from a humble, loving, and willing heart. These verses stress the importance of a personal relationship. Samuel had a relationship that He enjoyed and lived in, but Eli's sons had a religion they served in for profit.

Where is our heart today? Joyfully serving before the Lord out of love and reverence? Or using Him as a means to an end? After these verses, Samuel went on to serve the Lord and walk faithfully with Him, but Eli's sons met their end at the hands of the Philistines in battle. Which path seems better to you?

Proverbs 22:6- Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.

Jeremiah 1:6-8- "Alas, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am too young." But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am too young.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.

God bless! I love you all, but His love saved a wretch like me! Glory, honor, and praise now and forever to Papa God, Jesus Christ our King, and the Holy Spirit!