God never changes; we do

Toward the faithful you are faithful;

toward the wholehearted you are whole hearted;

Toward the sincere you are sincere;

but toward the crooked you are astute.

2 Sam. 22:26-27



Eli and his family were condemned by God because his sons were blaspheming God, and Eli did not reprove them. We also see that Samule's two sons - appointed as judges over Israel also did not follow Samuel's example but sought illicit gain and accepted bribes, perverting justice. As a parent that is a pretty sobering thought. We are responsible for guiding our children and correcting or redirecting them when they, especially as young adults, try to make it on their own in our society that rewards the powerful. Eli led a good and holy life and was a good role model to his sons. I sometimes feel as a parent that if my children are just watching how Andy and I live they will learn from us. But maybe this passive hoping is not enough. We have to teach our children well and then advise and admonish them as needed.



The elders of Israel came to Samuel and said,, "Now that you are old, and your sons do not follow your example, appoint a king over us, as other nations have, to judge us." ( 1 Sam. 8:5) They wanted a king with "skin on." God told them what a king will do including: taking sons for battle, appointing commanders for soldiers, using daughters as oinment-makers, cooks and bakers, taking the best fields, taking male and female servants. When all this happens you will complain, but I will not answer. What happens to someone when they come to power? We see in the example of Saul, when he was victorious as king, in battle it was attributed to God; when he began fudging on or altering the commands of God , he challenged God's honor and his kingship was rejectied by God. David on the other had many chances to uses his power by disobeying God's commands; when he had chances to kill Saul who was pursuing him, or when he was faithful to Jonathan and his lame son, whom he invited to be a guest at his table forever. I'm struck by the description of Saul's humanity as brash, bold, arrogant and wealthy. He wanted to protect his status and accomplishments. These words describe people of power in our society. There are many levels of power and this pattern of action can fit at what ever level of power you have. I think of my prinicpal (boss) and how she uses her power. I ask myself how do I use my power over students or do I empower them? God still asks the same of us as God did the Isralites, to obey and listen to God's commands and follow them.



God is never changing. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I can trust that the same God that wanted obedience and fidelity of the ancient Israelites, the judges, and the kings wants the same from me. God never changes, but I sometimes want to alter my course to benefit me, to glorify my accomplishments and to seek recognition. God's promise still holds true; if you follow my commands to love one another, in whatever culture, time or place that you are in, I will be there and you will be my people.