1 Samuel 8:1 When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders.
My church is reading through 1 Samuel 8 this week and I am finding it really interesting. Samuel was a good leader. He raised two boys and appointed them leaders after him. Unfortunately, they were dishonest, accepting bribes and perverting justice.
1 Samuel 8:2 The name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second was Abijah, and they served at Beersheba.
Today’s verses have me thinking about parenthood, about my own boys, who seem to be good boys, about how children are raised and how they become who they will become. The hubs and I have done our best to teach our children well. But when they leave our house and enter into the world fully on their own two feet, they will have a choice about whether they continue in the ways they were taught or whether they go the way of the world. I hope they choose well. I think they will.
1 Samuel 8:3 But his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.
Precious Savior, Thank You for the gift of family, for the joy and sometimes heartbreak of raising children. Help us to shepherd them well. Once they stand on their own two feet, help them to make good choices. Amen.
1 Samuel 8:4 So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah.
Have a blessed day.