FAITHFUL PRIESTS. By Pastor Fernando

SCRIPTURE

"And what happens to your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, will be a sign to you—they will both die on the same day. I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. I will firmly establish his house, and he will minister before my anointed one always."

1 Samuel: 2:34-35

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

2 Corinthians 7:1

OBSERVATION

The two sons of Eli were a disgrace for the priesthood and for the people of Israel. They took advantage of the people to satisfy their own selfish cravings. Their behavior was out of control. They were not even shameful about it as their actions were done in the light and everyone knew about them. Eli confronted them, but they wouldn't listen. They did not know that God cannot be mocked and they reap what the sow. For the sake of righteousness, God promised a new and improved priesthood. Going beyond Samuel's priesthood, God here is talking about the High Priest Jesus. Years later, the apostle Paul recognizes the importance of all disciples (priests) of Christ to keep a pure and holy life out of reverence for God.

APPLICATION

Reverence is more than having good manners in religious events. It's a lifestyle of obedience, surrender, and humility, especially when God has called us to serve His people. We belong the priest line of Jesus and He sets the example of how we serve them. For that reason, we need to be aware and get rid of any behavior and mindset that contaminates the purity and holiness of our calling.

In the life of a minister there are three big tests: power, sex, and money. We cannot afford to fail any of these three tests. Otherwise, we will follow the patterns of Hophni and Phinehas, Eli's sons. Constantly we need to keep cleaning our hearts from any propensity for self-centeredness and surrender our lives and give it all for the cause of the Gospel. We cannot allow ourselves to become comfortable with and cherish sin like Psalm 66:18 says. We need to keep seeking holiness, not because we have to, but because out of our sincere love we want to honor God, the One who gave it all for us.

PRAYER

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for calling me to serve your people and to follow the patterns of servant-leadership set by Jesus. I cannot do this on my own. I need more and more of your Holy Spirit to be able to serve people in this sacrificial way. Please forgive me for the many times I entertain sin and become selfish. Help me to become a faithful priest, that ministers according to your heart and mind. I love you Lord. Amen!