Sea of Troubles

Scripture: I Samuel 3 Key Verse: 3:13
I told him that I would hand down a permanent judgement against his household because he knew about his sons' sin--that they were cursing God--but he didn't try to stop them.

Objective:
The calling of Samuel. Samuel is called by God, and he thinks it is Eli. Eli says it is not him, and that Samuel should go back to bed. The third time this happens Eli realizes it is God calling Samuel, and that Samuel needs to respond to God the next time he calls. Samuel does this and God tells him about the judgment he is giving Eli. When Eli hears the judgment he says God should do what He thinks is right.

Application:
This chapter has a few different ideas that popped out at me, but the main one that is sticking around is the idea that Eli is judged guilty because he didn't try to stop his sons. I know that we are covered in the Grace of God, and this is different from when this story took place, but we are still sinners. One of the places I think we fall short from the glory of God is that of social justice. We stand idly by while other people are going through so much torment. I am not just talking about third world and fourth world countries where some atrocious things are happening, but also right in our own backyard. Homelessness, Poverty, Classism, Racism, Ageism, Healthcare these are just a few examples of things that happen around us everyday. We may not be doing these things ourselves, and I pray that we aren't, but when it is time to stand before what will God say?

Currently on t.v. there is a great show on called Eli Stone. Its about a lawyer turned prophet and the things a higher power wants him to do. He is to use his strengths as a lawyer to handle cases that will make a difference. How can you use your strength to make a difference in this world?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father there is so much around me that I see is wrong. You do not want these things to happen, and I know many people ask How can God let these things happen. Father I ask the same question of them and of myself? Help me make a difference in this world. Help us rise up against the injustices and "take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing end them."