Friday: Further Thought – Conflict and Crisis: The Judges
The Bible is known for not glossing over human sin, human evil. If it did, how could it, and portray accurately the state of humanity? An especially sharp depiction of human evil is found in 1 Samuel 2:12-25, when the sons of Eli are presented in contrast to the young Samuel. 1 Samuel 2:12 reads, “The sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.” Notice, first, the contrast: lineage played an important role in biblical life, and in this one line “the sons of Eli” are now, instead, “the sons of Belial.”
Image © Lars Justinen from GoodSalt.com
Belial is a rich word, used in a number of forms and contexts, almost always negative. In fact, it is related to the Hebrew bl and bli, which mean “no” or “not” or “without.” Belial itself means “worthless, ” “useless, ” and in other places is used in the same way as it was in regard to Eli’s sons; that is, other men were called “sons of Belial” (2 Chron. 13:7, 1 Kings 21:13.) In Proverbs 6:12, it is equated with the wicked. (In other ancient near eastern literature, Belial is seen as another name for Satan himself.) In almost every use in the Bible, it appears as a negative. As human beings, created in the image of God, they were created for a purpose and to have meaning; and yet, according to the Bible, these men were all but worthless, “sons of worthlessness.” What a tragic waste of life. We are either for the Lord, doing something of meaning and purpose for Him, or we are, in the end, worthless. That makes sense, too, considering that our whole existence and purpose for life comes only from Him.
Discussion Questions:
- The Bible makes it clear: there is no middle ground in the great controversy: we are either on one side or the other, Christ’s or Satan’s. Yet, life as we know it doesn’t always unfold with such clear and stark contrasts, does it? Sometimes we aren’t sure just what is the right decision or what is the wrong one; even with moral situations, as well. It’s not always easy to determine what to do. What are some ways we can seek guidance to help us to make right choices when, at times, it’s not so easy to know just what the “right” choice is?
- In what ways have people whom you have looked up to somehow disappointed you? At the same time, in what ways have you perhaps disappointed those who once looked up to you? What have you learned from these incidents about faith, trust, grace, and human frailty?
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To him who knows to do right and doesn't do it, to him it is sin. James 4: 17
This reminds me of something I read lately about a particular standard of lifestyle being "not a salvation issue". But if God counsels us to come up to a certain standard and we choose not to do so, is it not sin? How would that not be a salvation issue?
Any Truth we are convicted on is a salvation issue with us personally, but may not be with another who is somewhere else in their experience. Our help for others must be done with the heavenly wisdom to understand and meet their present need, from which the Holy Spirit can guide them "into all truth" if they choose to follow the Lamb wherever He leads. Jesus did not reach every soul from the same level and hold them to the identical standard, but there is an ultimate measure of holiness(Eph 4:13, Rev 7:14), and as each follows the Example of "increasing in wisdom and in favor with God and man", there will be a common holiness(Ps 119:1,2, Zeph 3:13) when Jesus arrives to gather His sanctified ones.
How we minister to others is as much of a test of true faith/character as are our personal convictions while growing in grace ourselves. Do we exhibit the love of God at all times? Isn't this the goal? The Sabbath cannot be a "test" for one who has yet to know of the Savior and His power to "cleanse us from all unrighteousness".
Even in the church you will hear many things of what is or isn't "required", but the Word of God as made clear through the Holy Spirit is our standard.
What a great promise, Samuel grew up in such a close proximity to such evil and yet listened to the voice of God and was used mightily in the furtherance of His kingdom! What a definite hope there is for me and you as we humbly serve God in our little sections of this Belial filled planet! Praise God from whom flows grace and mercy!
The idea of worthlessness must have a context. Many in this life are not seen as worthless, but as great achievers. Through the gain of wealth, status, fame, influence and other earthly attainments, many are praised and highly regarded. The Word of God, especially as found in the flesh of Jesus, we see true worth demonstrated for all to see. We have a faithful Pattern to follow, a Yoke to wear, and cross to bear if we would not be found “worthless” in God's sight.
Concerning the question of right choices above, "it’s not so easy to know just what the “right” choice is":
Right choices are made by righteous individuals. This comes only through steadfast faith in Jesus, and like Him, being Servants of God. If we serve God, will He lead us in paths of unrighteousness? As Daniel was told: “the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.”
“Therefore, get wisdom” is the counsel through Solomon. Without this wisdom from above, we will be found worthless.
Interesting thought from this lesson. In the same way Adam had such close connection wit God but yet Cain had a evil heart and was stubborn not willing to follow.Eli and Samuel were men of God but their children refused to follow. We are responsible for our children and our lives if we say we are serving a living God/ Lord. The question needs to be asked "How much are we willing to give or sacrifice ?" " Are we willing to be our brothers' keeper?" How much are we willing to sacrifice? We are living as the days of all these Bible prophets and fulfilling these prophecies. We need to recognize sin has no power until we give Satan the permission to use us, then we give sin power. Like our discussion states " there is no middle ground" the church is either hot or cold we have a new generation coming. What are we going to do about it? We can't even use the church as an example anymore so we ourselves have to dig deep in the scriptures and get to know God personally in order for us to keep our children on the right path....it's not ok to tell our children "just try not to sin too long" we need to teach them their is joy through obedience in God. If they find the love, peace and joy in obeying God the walk will be a sweeter and easier walk with God and our children will be lead safely home......the same as Naomi and Ruth, Noah and his sons.....
Regarding, "What are some ways we can seek guidance to help us to make right choices when, at times, it’s not so easy to know just what the “right” choice is?"
The most important question is not one of information but of willingness. John 7:17
"Worry is blind, and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet." (The Desire of Ages, page 330)