Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Samuel 2:12 (New International Version)

Eli’s sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD.

This is the first line in a (hi)story about the sons of  the priest Eli. The details that follow are not of much importance. Given this first line, one thing is sure – the story can’t end well (and it doesn’t).

Eli’s sons Hophni and Phinehas were in a place of great trust, a place that required great integrity. They had no integrity; they betrayed the trust given them. Their daily crime was stealing food from the sacrificial offerings brought by the people. They didn’t steal food because they were starving. They stole because they wanted more and better than what they had.

Things did not end well. The Philistines, the enemy of God’s people, stole the  Ark of the Covenant. Eli the priest died as did his wicked sons who had no regard for the Lord.

The story ended well for Samuel. Once again, the details are not that important. The beginning of the story tells all (1  Samuel 3:19):

The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up

This is all pretty simple. If the Lord is with you, the story will end well. This has nothing to do with luck. The Lord just doesn’t happen to be with some people and not with other people. There is no roll of the die in the sky that determines life. Note the words about Eli’s sons: they had no regard for the Lord. They chose to disregard the Lord. Samuel chose to regard the Lord, and the Lord stayed with him. There is no luck here, just a simple choice.