A TALE OF TWO FAMILIES (2 OF 27)
by Keith Krell
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:11-36
This content is part of a series.
A Tale of Two Families (2 of 27)
Series: Calling All Leaders
Keith Krell
1 Samuel 2:11-36
Do you like reality TV shows? Do you like the family reality shows? (I use this term ''family'' here very loosely.) There are countless examples: Wife Swap, Super Nanny, and Raising Sextuplets. There are also shows that feature particular celebrity families such as the Hogans, the Hasselhoffs, the Osbournes, the Kardashians, and the Simmons. Reality shows are the most popular programs on TV. For whatever reason, people love observing the personal lives of others.
First Samuel 2:11-36 is one of the original family reality shows. In this narrative the lives of two families are contrasted and weaved together like a fast-paced reality show. The author's focus is upon the sins of Hophni and Phinehas, and their father, Eli. Yet, sprinkled throughout this passage are several encouraging scenes that highlight Samuel and his family. Please note the following structure:
Samuel serving (2:11)
Worship sins (2:12-17)
Samuel serving (2:18-21)
Moral sins (2:21-25)
Samuel growing (2:26)
Prophecy of judgment (2:27-36)
Samuel serving (3:1a)
This text answers the question: What happens when we fail to honor God as we should? The answer is sobering, yet throughout this story there is plenty of encouragement for individuals and families who are seeking to honor the Lord. The point is: What goes around comes around.
1. Family contrasts in worship (2:11-17): Our story begins in 2:11 with a startling event: ''Then Elkanah went to his home at Ramah. But the boy ministered to the LORD before Eli the priest.'' Elkanah dropped off his son Samuel to live with Eli and serve in the temple all the days of his life. The phrase ''to the Lord'' is telling. While Samuel was trained and mentored by Eli, he worshipped and served the Lord. Elkanah and Hannah raised Samuel in the Lord to be a person of great impact. As a parent, it is never too early to dedicate your child to love and ...
Series: Calling All Leaders
Keith Krell
1 Samuel 2:11-36
Do you like reality TV shows? Do you like the family reality shows? (I use this term ''family'' here very loosely.) There are countless examples: Wife Swap, Super Nanny, and Raising Sextuplets. There are also shows that feature particular celebrity families such as the Hogans, the Hasselhoffs, the Osbournes, the Kardashians, and the Simmons. Reality shows are the most popular programs on TV. For whatever reason, people love observing the personal lives of others.
First Samuel 2:11-36 is one of the original family reality shows. In this narrative the lives of two families are contrasted and weaved together like a fast-paced reality show. The author's focus is upon the sins of Hophni and Phinehas, and their father, Eli. Yet, sprinkled throughout this passage are several encouraging scenes that highlight Samuel and his family. Please note the following structure:
Samuel serving (2:11)
Worship sins (2:12-17)
Samuel serving (2:18-21)
Moral sins (2:21-25)
Samuel growing (2:26)
Prophecy of judgment (2:27-36)
Samuel serving (3:1a)
This text answers the question: What happens when we fail to honor God as we should? The answer is sobering, yet throughout this story there is plenty of encouragement for individuals and families who are seeking to honor the Lord. The point is: What goes around comes around.
1. Family contrasts in worship (2:11-17): Our story begins in 2:11 with a startling event: ''Then Elkanah went to his home at Ramah. But the boy ministered to the LORD before Eli the priest.'' Elkanah dropped off his son Samuel to live with Eli and serve in the temple all the days of his life. The phrase ''to the Lord'' is telling. While Samuel was trained and mentored by Eli, he worshipped and served the Lord. Elkanah and Hannah raised Samuel in the Lord to be a person of great impact. As a parent, it is never too early to dedicate your child to love and ...
There are 23985 characters in the full content. This excerpt only shows a 2000 character sample of the full content.
Price: $5.99 or 1 credit
.jpg)
