Scripture Reading

1 Samuel 2:30 Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

Insight on the Word

God promised that the priesthood should continue in the family of Aaron forever (Exodus 29:9, 40:15; Numbers 25:10-13). The promise was absolute but, like all other such promises, it was conditioned by obedience. Eli and his family had failed to properly honor God and for their sin God was going to remove them from the priesthood.

Many times God has plainly stated the conditions of blessing and cursing, and these apply to all men alike; including priests (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28). God cannot and will not bless any man who backslides and lives in sin contrary to the covenants made with Him. God is as obligated to curse those who sin as He is to bless those who do not; this is true under both law and grace (Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 59:2). Indeed: “The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous” (Proverbs 15:29).

The principle of God honoring those who honour Him is stated of God in both testaments. It holds true for all men under law or under grace, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:” (2 Timothy 2:12).

If we want God to honor us we must honor Him. In what ways do you respect, revere and honor God? Do not treat Him lightly or flippant? Know that He is a God of love and cares for you as a father, but know also that He is “high and lifted up” (Isaiah 6:1), and is to be greatly honored. As we walk in honor toward God we can be assured that God Himself will honor us as well, for He said: “for them that honour me I will honour.”

Speak the Word — I honor God and He honors me! (1 Samuel 2:30)

Daily Bible Reading — Leviticus 17 – 19