1 Samuel 2:15 (16-17)
¹⁵Also before they burnt the fat, the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.
Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, abused their priestly power, taking more than their share of sacrifices and engaging in immoral acts. Their actions led to God’s judgment, resulting in their death and the removal of the priesthood from Eli’s family.
Similarly, Aaron’s sons offered unauthorized fire termed “strange” fire and were consumed by divine flames. The sons of Sceva, a priest, attempted to expel demons in Jesus’ name, only to face disastrous consequences. All these individuals were sons of priests; however, this did not equate to a genuine relationship with God.
A true relationship is cultivated and diligently nurtured; it is not a mere inheritance. Nowonder Paul exhorts us to: Work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).While our salvation is firmly established, it necessitates active engagement; we are further encouraged to:
2 Timothy 2:15
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Indeed, we are already approved, yet we must immerse ourselves in the Word to foster growth, steadfastly adhering to the truth. Through this growth, we fortify our relationship with the Father, becoming rooted and built up in Him, steadfast and unshakeable (Colossians 2:6-7).
John 13:23-25
²³Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.²⁵Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.²⁵He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
John, the disciple Jesus loved, positioned himself close to Jesus, demonstrating a deep desire for intimacy and understanding, which allowed him to recognize the resurrected Jesus and receive special entrustments, showcasing the benefits of building a close relationship with God. John was entrusted to care for the mother of Jesus.
Can God trust You to obey His voice, His word to do His instructions/work!!
Luke 10:40-42
⁴⁰”But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.⁴¹And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things.⁴²But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Martha focused much on serving, If service alone were sufficient, the sons of Aaron would not have faced divine retribution, and if mere availability were it, the sons of Eli would not have been punished. Furthermore, if the essence of our faith were solely about deliverance and performing wonders, the unfortunate outcomes experienced by the sons of Sceva, the priest, would not have occurred.
It is incumbent upon us to actively engage in this divine relationship, immersing ourselves in the Word, thereby ensuring that our salvation is not in vain.
Prophetic Utterance:
I am intricately crafted in Christ; my salvation is assured. I am rooted and built up in the Word, and my growth is inevitable. Adopted, I belong to Him; through His Word, I am profoundly acquainted with the One in whom I dwell—My Abba.
Haleluya
Guiding Text
James 4:8
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”