Tag: Old Testament

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Generational judgment

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Jisun Han on Unsplash

The Lord declares, “The time is coming when I will cut short your strength and the strength of your priestly house, so that no one in it will reach old age…no one in your family line will ever reach old age…and all your descendants will die in the prime of life” (1 Samuel 2:31-33).

The Lord spoke those words to Eli, a priest who served forty years at the tabernacle in Shiloh. His sons Hophni and Phineas scorned, despised, and dishonored God as priests. They took some of the sacrifices supposed to be set aside for the Lord. They slept with the women who served at the tent of meeting.

Everyone knew about it. They told Eli about it. He told them it was wrong, but didn’t do anything about it.

Not only would they die, but the consequences of their actions would last for generations. Every descendant will die young, in their prime.

That’s harsh. But the priests had an important job. They represented the people before God. And they represented God to the people. They had great responsibility. If they didn’t take God seriously, who would?

They had a chance. They were taught. They were warned. God tells you what he’s going to do. And he follows through.

So listen. Pay attention. God is serious. Take him seriously.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Excuses, excuses, excuses

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by MART PRODUCTION on pexels.com

A “through the bible” devotion from Exodus 3 and 4.

Everyone needs a collection of excuses.

  • I didn’t know.
  • No one told me.
  • I forgot.
  • It wasn’t me.
  • It wasn’t my fault.
  • I didn’t get the message.
  • My phone was dead.
  • I thought it was at a different time.
  • Someone took it.
  • My dog ate it.
  • My mom didn’t wake me up.
  • Everyone else was doing it.

It’s fun to make a list of excuses you can use when you’ve messed up, forgot to do something, or don’t want to do something. Take a moment and add another twelve or so to my list. You’ll be more than equipped to handle anyone’s demands and expectations.

You’ve got to hand it to Moses. He’s got the guts to offer up excuses to the Almighty God.

“Who am I?” I’m don’t have the resume or experience to bring Israel out of Egypt.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll be there with you.”

“What if they ask me your name? I don’t even know your name.”

“I am who I am.” Just call me, “I am.” (Yahweh)

“What if no one will believe me or listen to me?”

Just wait till your staff turns into a snake. Or you hand becomes leprous. They’ll believe you.

“I’m not eloquent.”

I know. I made you, complete with mouth, ears, and eyes. I know what you can do.

It’s kind of like a reverse interview. Moses is trying to convince God to not hire him. Too bad, Moses. I mean, “Congratulations! You’ve got the job!”