Sacrilege From Greed | 1 Samuel 2:13-17

Have you checked your greed lately?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 2. Chapter 2 contrasts two families—one who stands with God and one in defiance. Today, I will read verses 13-17.

The custom of the priests with the people was that when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant would come, while the meat was boiling, with a three-pronged fork in his hand, and he would thrust it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or pot. All that the fork brought up the priest would take for himself. This is what they did at Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there. Moreover, before the fat was burned, the priest's servant would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give meat for the priest to roast, for he will not accept boiled meat from you but only raw.” And if the man said to him, “Let them burn the fat first, and then take as much as you wish,” he would say, “No, you must give it now, and if not, I will take it by force.” Thus the sin of the young men was very great in the sight of the Lord, for the men treated the offering of the Lord with contempt. — 1 Samuel 2:13-17

Unethical Conduct In The Priesthood

This text reveals a troubling reality of religious corruption and entitlement within the priesthood.

Eli's sons, who served as priests, abused their authority for personal gain. Their actions weren't just selfish; they were sacrilegious. While priests were entitled to a portion of the sacrifices after they were presented, the sons of Eli went far beyond what was acceptable. Instead of honoring God's regulations, they exploited their position to snatch the best portions of the sacrifices being prepared by the worshippers. Imagine making preparations for your best offering to God, only to have it forcibly taken by one of the priest's servants.

For worshippers, these sacrifices were deeply meaningful acts of devotion. Yet, Hophni and Phinehas, Eli's sons, showed no regard for the sacredness of these offerings. They intruded on families while their meat was cooking, taking what they desired and even demanding raw meat for themselves before the fat was burned—an act directly contrary to God's instructions.

Their behavior was reprehensible, driven by greed and a blatant disregard for God.

Unregulated Selfishness Can Become Sacrilegious Greed

So, what do we learn?

Every man, including spiritual leaders, can succumb to the temptation of selfish gain. If unchecked, it can spiral into insatiable narcissism and sacrilege, elevating oneself above God.

Today, let's examine our own lives. Are there areas where selfishness or greed are taking root? Left unaddressed, they can lead us down a path of wickedness. Let's strive to regulate our desires and align them with God's will, guarding against the allure of selfish gain.

#GuardAgainstGreed
#SacrilegeInService
#SpiritualLeadership

Ask This:
Reflect on a time when you were tempted to prioritize personal gain over honoring God and others. How did you navigate that situation, and what lessons did you learn from it? 
In what areas of your life do you see the potential for selfishness or greed to creep in? How can you actively guard against these tendencies and align your desires with God's will?
Do This:

Check your greed today.

Pray This:

Lord, help me to recognize and resist the allure of selfish gain, guiding me to honor You in all that I do. Grant me the strength and wisdom to align my desires with Your will, that I may serve You faithfully and with integrity. Amen.

Play This:

Greed.