Our Trustworthy Good

Samuel was the son of Hannah, dedicated to the Lord. He grew up under the leadership of Eli, the priest and Judge of Israel.

One day, Samuel heard a voice calling him. He believed to be Eli, but soon learned it was God Almighty, Himself. So Eli instructed Samuel to answer this way, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” For it had been many years since the Lord had spoken to man in visions of prophecy.

And God began to tell him of judgement that was coming. This to be sure was a difficult word to hear. For it was to be upon his mentor, Eli's his family that this trouble would come.

It seems that after Eli's two sons had been anointed as priests, they profaned all that was holy in the Lord's presence and took advantage of their position, defiling the priesthood and sanctuary of God.

When Eli awoke the morning after God spoke to Samuel, Eli asked what the Lord had told him. And though Samuel feared giving this harsh word, Eli encouraged him that he must tell it no matter what.

So Samuel told Eli that the iniquity of his family could never be covered by sacrifice, nor offering. But the judgment upon him for ignoring his son's evil would be judged as the two of them would die on the same day.

And Eli responded, "He is the Lord, He will do what He thinks is good."

This to be certain was a difficult time. How do you pass on bad news? How do you receive it, when it's a judgement about your family?

Eli knew of his shortcomings as a father and leader to his sons. He knew of their wrong and evil ways, yet he never punished them. Eli knew that the Lord was holy and could not let it continue.

But what an amazing statement, even in the midst of bad news. "He is the Lord, He will do what He thinks is good." To be sure, Eli knew God. And he did not waiver in his faith, nor his honor of the Lord, even in the face of judgement.

For our God is trustworthy. Our God is good. And no circumstances, nor actions of humans can change or influence that.

God remains our TRUSTWORTHY GOOD.