They did not know the Lord(Read 1 Samuel 2:12-17) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9

They did not know the Lord(Read 1 Samuel 2:12-17)
The story of the priest Eli's two sons is a challenge for us. Brought up in a family that served God, they did not have their father's godly fear. On the contrary, they were not ashamed to profit from their father's office. The main reason for their evil conduct was: they did not know the Lord. They knew of His existence, they knew the ritual of religious service as well as the season of special sacrifices and annual feasts. They even knew the laws governing the types of sacrifices. But knowing the ritual is not knowing God! They could pray off the cuff, but they had never had a personal encounter with God.

Truly knowing God is the result of faith in Him. God makes himself known to whoever seeks Him. Everyone can find Him today and be freed from his sins by believing in Jesus, His Son, and the efficacy of His work. Such an encounter that brings us into a living relationship with God is a fundamental necessity.

Eli's sons had never had that initial encounter with God. Their example is a serious warning. Religious service does not save us; it can even make us insensitive as to the state of our own heart and cause us to neglect the respect due to God. What matters is not our deeds but our heart, for God desires "truth in the inward parts" (Psalm 51:6).

Today's reading: Exodus 18:1-12 · Luke 8:1-8