Today’s Thought “The First Time Around” G. Ward

“When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell backward off his chair by the side of the gate. His neck was broken and he died, for he was an old man, and he was heavy. He had led Israel forty years.” 1 Samuel 4:18

Eli didn’t run to frivolity, but neglected to discipline his sons for their selfish plight. The Philistine faction overwhelmed Israel in war killing the two sons of Eli. It’s said that a young Benjamite (a youthful Saul – first King of Israel) delivered the bad news to God’s man (Eli – cf. 1 Sa.3:13-14). At the end of his life in earth, the greatest loss was not his sons, but the rovering Temple where God abided.

Personal aspirations and material wealth is miniscule for the aged; particularly for those cognizant in Truth. The greatest emphasis is the preparation in departure (Ps.90:10-12). While so many soak up so much life in earth, they neglect to understand that life’s defining is without tangibility (Jn.14:6) and there’s a potential young king watching our reaction as sufferings pervade.

Happy Thursday!