The example left by Samuel was not followed by his sons, who strayed from the Truth. The work of God is holy and should be respected by all, especially by those who read the Bible and learn from it how to act and what happened to those who did not proceed as they should. Why don't some people care about their soul? Do they think the just Judge does not see the innermost part of their hearts? (Hebrews 4:13). Why do they dare to walk outside the Lord's plan?

The worst pain of a father is to see his natural or spiritual child abandon the right path, straying into other ways, as the sons of Aaron did, a holy man who did the divine will. They dared to bring strange fire before the Lord and died without leaving any children (Numbers 3:4). Well, the Most High is holy and one cannot do the work while being in sin. If the lack of fear of God has prevented you from bearing children, that is not Heaven's plan for you!

See what Jesus proposes to those who are being tempted to leave the Way, as well as the ministry entrusted by God, and to act like the men of the world: When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.  (Mark 8.34). This is the path you need to take, so that the temptation that oppresses you may leave you and you can understand the divine plan for your life, which is wonderful.

Enter the path of the Lord's servants of the past; after all, they received the mission from the Most-High and fulfilled it. Read what the Scriptures say about Jesus: Righteousness will go before Him, and shall make His footsteps our pathway. (Psalm 85.13). Never follow the path that seems right to you, but take the one that Christ has walked. He wants to make you walk in the right direction!

The sons of Samuel, who would not exist if Hannah had not fought a great battle to become a mother, now sadden those who fear God (1 Samuel 1). Her beloved grandchildren turned to greed. Why do you have to drive the most expensive car? Christ walked on foot and, at one time, entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling the prophesy that identifies Him as the King who will one day return to take us to Heaven (Zechariah 9:9). The instruction and guidance left by the Lord in the Scriptures are the best. God loves us!

Joel and Abijah accepted gifts from people so that they would favor them in some judgment. How shameful! These men, who saw their father's example, were willing to accept bribes. Is this what you want as your inheritance when you leave the world and go to Christ? There is still time to repent wholeheartedly, for there will be the judgment seat of Christ, and everyone will be there (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Joel and Abijah’s greed perverted justice, and this is very serious. Who will be able to stand before the Judgment where Jesus will be the Judge? Be wise and take the right path, never accepting bribes nor letting greed dominate your being. Resist the one who sought the Master in the desert, tempting Him (Matthew 4).

         In Christ, with love,

         R. R. Soares