Scoundrels

By John Madge

“Eli’s sons were scoundrels; they had no regard for the Lord. Now it was the practice of the priests that, whenever any of the people offered a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come with a three-pronged fork in his hand while the meat was being boiled and would plunge the fork into the pan or kettle or caldron or pot. Whatever the fork brought up the priest would take for himself. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh. But even before the fat was burned, the priest’s servant would come and say to the person who was sacrificing, ‘Give the priest some meat to roast; he won’t accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.’ If the person said to him, ‘Let the fat be burned first, and then take whatever you want,’ the servant would answer, ‘No, hand it over now; if you don’t, I’ll take it by force.’ This sin of the young men was very great in the Lord’s sight, for they were treating the Lord’s offering with contempt.”—1 Samuel 2:12–17 (NIV)

Today’s Scripture is a good reminder that not everyone in ministry has a heart for God. Christ’s words come to mind when He says, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits”(Matthew 7:15–16 NKJV). The lives of Eli’s sons were certainly characterized by bad fruit and their position as priests did little to veil their wolf-like nature.

As believers in Christ, knowing the mercy and goodness of God, it’s hard to comprehend passages of Scripture like this. How on earth could Eli’s sons hold such contempt for God? Were they unaware of God’s loving kindness and patience? Were they unaware of how passionate God is about any form of injustice? I could go on with questions, but I believe today’s Scripture provides a simple answer to all of these questions and considerations: “They had no regard for the Lord.”

Still, it’s shocking to think that someone raised with a knowledge and reverence for God could live the way these men lived. Surely, they have no excuse for their behavior and how they treated their position of religious authority with such contempt. In Romans 1:32 (NIV), Paul writes, “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.”

There are those who become emboldened by such lifestyles, especially when judgment from God is not immediate or made manifest in their lives. They say to themselves, “God will never notice; he covers his face and never sees” (Psalm 10:11 NIV). It’s a tragic misunderstanding of God’s mercy and long suffering. God’s patience and forgiveness are not a license for us to sin wantonly.

Continuing through Romans, chapter two begins with a warning from Paul about passing judgment against such individuals, not because their actions aren’t condemnable, but because we’re often guilty of the very same sins. I’ve heard it said, “Our sin always looks worse on someone else.” Meaning, we’re susceptible to hypocrisy and self-deception. We go easy on our own sinfulness, but want to apply the full extent of the law’s discipline to others.

Let’s not be like those who are emboldened to act wickedly by wicked examples set for them. Let’s do as Scripture encourages and exhorts us to.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”—Romans 12:2 (NIV)

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up”—Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Let’s look to Jesus for the example He set. After being beaten, tortured, mocked, and crucified, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34 NIV). Let’s trust in the Lord’s timing and remember He always sees and doesn’t forget injustice.

Pause: Ask yourself, “Am I ever as disgusted with my own sin as I am with the sins of men like Eli’s sons?”

Practice: Read Romans 1–2:1–16.

Pray: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23–24).