Keep Watch

Today’s readings are Samuel 1-3 and Matthew 3. We learn about Hannah, who prays to God to have a child. She promises God that if she has a son, she’ll dedicate him to serving Him. She has a son, Samuel, and fulfills her vow, and Samuel becomes an apprentice to Eli. Eli’s sons were bullies; they didn’t seem to fear God or take their duties seriously.

Eli warns his sons.

‘Eli said to them, “I have been hearing reports from all the people about the wicked things you are doing. Why do you keep sinning? You must stop, my sons! The reports I hear among the Lord’s people are not good. If someone sins against another person, God can mediate for the guilty party. But if someone sins against the Lord, who can intercede?” But Eli’s sons wouldn’t listen to their father, for the Lord was already planning to put them to death. ‘
1 Samuel 2:23-25

The sons wouldn’t listen. A prophet then warns Eli that his family will be wiped out and cursed. Then, God gives Samuel a message for Eli, saying it’s about to go down.

‘I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever, because his sons are blaspheming God, and he hasn’t disciplined them. ‘
1 Samuel 3:13

We hear about the love, mercy, and grace of Jesus. But we rarely talk about the judgment. John mentions it in Matthew 3.

‘He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” ‘
Matthew 3:12

Paul speaks of judgment in 2 Corinthians.

‘For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body. ‘
2 Corinthians 5:10

One day, we will have to answer for what we’ve done in this life. There will be consequences for our sins. We have to get close to Christ and cultivate our relationship with God daily. We have to place our relationship with God above everything else.

Holy Spirit, help us keep watch.

The world, the enemy wants to influence and persuade us that sin is okay. He doesn’t come in and scream, “Cheat on your spouse! “or “get hooked on drugs!” He comes with a whisper: “You deserve to be happy,” or “this will be fun.” We need the Holy Spirit to guide our paths; we have to keep watch, be disciplined, and keep our hearts fixed on Jesus. When we do fall short, we need to repent; we don’t want to be caught off guard.

So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.
Matthew 24:42