Ichabod
“She named the boy Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel”-because of the capture of the ark of God and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband.” 1 Samuel 4:21
The story of Eli and his two sons— Hophni and Phinehas is very interesting because it teaches not only about proper parenting but equally the need to separate the chaff from the wheat.
Eli lacked the ‘strong’ paternal ability to discipline his sons. Hophni and Phinehas were priests and they supposed to follow the footstep of their father by obeying God but they rebelled. They collected briberies, committed lots of atrocities and deliberately sins against God.
When people get to the point where God is not their priority then these people have lot the touch and the glory of God in their lives. And where the glory of God is missing, there will be no peace.
God replaced Eli by anointing Samuel as the priest and this He (God) did long before the war that took Eli and his sons. Even God warned Eli through Samuel’s prophecy but Eli did nothing to avert the danger ahead. He just told Samuel that God is God and let Him (God) do as He said (1 Samuel 3:18).
Eli and his sons died the same day at war not just because they lost but also because they paid for their sins. Eli paid because the ark of God was captured at war and because he did not control his sons, and their debaucheries.
Phinehas’ wife died as she gave birth out of pain and loss of her husband, and she named the child Ichabod. This woman should not have died. There is nowhere mentioned that she too sins but then when a family is paying for their sins, the innocent ones would pay too.
The Glory of God is very needful in the life of every Christian. It protects, provides and uplifts. This is why YOU as God’s child need to be careful the way you are with God. Avoid messing up your life as if God is nothing. Follow His instruction. Obey Him. Live your life for Him and let Him the Lord of your life.
May His Glory not depart from you in Jesus name, amen.
Peace!
The Art of Silence
“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” James 1:26
I want you to understand that it is good to talk BUT it is a disaster to talk too much. When you are in the midst of people, you must know that you are not the only one talking. For when you begin to talk and talk, without leaving any chances for others to talk, then you are in a big problem.
People with you may take it that you are just trying to dominate the conversation when you talk too much. There are those who will even say this openly to you so that they can let you know their feelings toward you.
Another back setback about talking too much is that you can end up saying what you are not supposed to say. This will just pop out of your mouth and if what you said is about someone in your group, then you create chances for enemy in your life.
One other point is by talking too much, you can begin to fabricate lies upon lies in order to boost your egos. When people are listening to you, there is every means that you will find their attentiveness too inviting and to make them listen the more, you begin to lie, telling them things that are not true. By this, you ended up sinning.
Too much of talking is not good especially for a Christian. You are the embodiment of Christ and you must show this in your attitude. There is no place in the bible that says Jesus Christ is a talkative. During His life on earth, He listened to people, paid attention to their words and waited until they have finished before He answered them.
You must avoid any temptation when in conversation with other people. Listen to them the more. Make it your duty to listen and listen about 70% of your time and make the 30% worthwhile when talking. Do not be happy to fabricate lies because it is not going to get you anywhere.
Flee from being a talkative. There is no way the Holy Spirit of God will use you when you don’t know how to keep your mouth shut. Master the art of silence as if it is your last lesson on earth. By doing this, you are progressing in your Christian life and you are glorifying the name of the Lord.
Peace!
