Eli and His Sons
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Him. When men, standing “in Christ’s stead” (
2 Corinthians 5:20
) to
speak to the people God’s message of mercy and reconciliation, use
their sacred calling as a cloak for selfish or sensual gratification, they
make themselves the most effective agents of Satan. Like Hophni and
Phinehas, they cause men to “abhor the offering of the Lord.” They
may pursue their evil course in secret for a time; but when at last their
true character is exposed, the faith of the people receives a shock that
often results in destroying their confidence in religion. There is left
upon the mind a distrust of all who profess to teach the word of God.
The message of the true servant of Christ is doubtfully received. The
question constantly arises, “Will not this man prove to be like the one
we thought so holy, and found so corrupt?” Thus the word of God
loses its power upon the souls of men.
In Eli’s reproof to his sons are words of solemn and fearful import—
words that all who minister in sacred things would do well to ponder:
“If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him; but if
a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him?” Had their
crimes injured only their fellow men, the judge might have made
reconciliation by appointing a penalty and requiring restitution; and
thus the offenders might have been pardoned. Or had they not been
guilty of a presumptuous sin, a sin offering might have been presented
for them. But their sins were so interwoven with their ministration as
priests of the Most High, in offering sacrifice for sin, the work of God
was so profaned and dishonored before the people, that no expiation
could be accepted for them. Their own father, though himself high
priest, dared not make intercession in their behalf; he could not shield
them from the wrath of a holy God. Of all sinners, those are most
guilty who cast contempt upon the means that Heaven has provided
for man’s redemption—who “crucify to themselves the Son of God
afresh, and put Him to an open shame.”
Hebrews 6:6
.
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