*DISOBEDIENT: STRANGE FIRE ON THE ALTAR.*(Series 10) *Scripture Reading:* 1 Samuel 2:24-25 *"No, my sons; for the report that I keep hearing from the passers-by among the Lord’s people is not good. If one man does wrong and sins against another, God will intercede (arbitrate) for him; but if a man does wrong to the Lord, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, for it was the Lord’s will to put them to death."*(AMP) One would expect that Hophni and Phinehas would have gone out of their way to keep their father ignorant of these things. They may have tried at first, but then they became bold, as is always true of sin. The sins were so blatant that they could not be hid, even from their aged and perhaps naive father. Eli learned what was going on. He realized how serious their sin was and it hurt him more than anything else he experienced. Eli was a true child of God and was not indifferent to such wickedness, especially when it came from his own sons. Eli said in verses 23-25 - *"Why do ye such things? For I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD's people to transgress. If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them."* God directs his words of rebuke toward Eli. Eli was at fault before God. What he said to his sons was true. The sins they committed were of the most serious sort. They were sinning against God. Eli made clear the serious nature of their sins, then dismissed them to their duties again. Eli's sin was a failure to discipline his sons. This was a sin typical of Israel through the period of the Judges and later again after the time of the captivity. Eli knew the difference between good and bad and taught his sons, but did not go further. He did not punish them! You may argue, but the passage does not say that. *It may be that he did punish them, but you know what these sons needed: they had to be thrown out of the tabernacle! No strange fires may be offered before God. But yet Eli still permitted them to minister before the Lord and offered sacrifices.* God assured Eli to kill his two son for being aware of their great sin in the tabernacle and yet still permit them to stand before Him (God) and that there will be nothing like priest in his generation again (1 Samuel 2:30-36). I shall bring it to conclusion tomorrow morning by God's Grace. Good morning and do have a great day, peace. *Prayer point:* I plead for mercy in any area of my life I have failed in honoring the Lord and also permit strange fire on your altar in Jesus Christ name. Amen! T.S. AFOLAYAN