SATURDAY September 29, 2018

Priestly Duties

Then he would thrust it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; and the priest would take for himself all that the fleshhook brought up. So they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there. Also, before they burned the fat, the priest’s servant would come and say to the man who sacrificed, “Give meat for roasting to the priest, for he will not take
boiled meat from you, but raw.”

1 Samuel 2:14-15

Eli’s life still stands as a warning on what not to do as a father. Look what his sons were doing. They took the meat intended for the sacrifices for themselves.  Eli’s sons were in the priesthood, but they were wicked. God would judge them; they would die. Eli was either a poor disciplinarian, or it could be he was too strict with his children when they were young. 

I am not an expert in raising children, but I like to share with parents what I have learned over the years.  I believe parents should be careful not to be legalistic––living by strict rules and regulations. There needs to be a balance in the home, because if a parent is too strict and rigid, their children will want nothing to do with Christianity. When they are older, they will exit out of the Church.

Think about it––is God like that with us? We do not live by the law. God has given to us His Grace, and yet parents try to keep their children under the law. It is good to give your children enough room to make mistakes, but allow God to minister to them through His Word. Even though they may not want to hear, the Word of God will convict them.

As a father, I did not give my children an hour Bible study.  I would share with them God’s Word for about five minutes, and then I would tell them what God desired for their lives––that was it. I let the Lord minister to them. Now I have three boys that have grown to become my friends. We talk about everything––we have a friendship––we love each other.

Parents, pray that God may crown your home with grace and mercy.
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!