Elder Kamsuanthang started his sermon by telling why he chose The Book of Samuel for the topic “Fruits of Unrighteousness”
He stated that, “blessings and success are all from God through righteousness followed from the decree of the Lord. For those who doesn’t follow his decree, their happiness are short lived.
From The Book of Samuel as we can see in our Bible is divided into two parts; 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. At first there is no 1st and 2nd Samuel, but Samuel. In this Book it featured different person’s story like Samuel, Priest Eli, Saul and David. This Book can also be read either as a history or a story. But the underline principle is that God can raise and ushered anyone to victory.
Here, firstly taking Hannah and Peninnah into account the underline principle was already told by Hannah in her prayer in Samuel 2.
Hannah and Peninnah were the wives of Elkanah. The former had no children while the latter did have which made Peninnahlooked down at Hannah. But their husband Elkanah loved Hannah dearly and always gave her a worthy portion of food to eat, which Hannah hardly ate. Hannah had faith in God and asked Him for a child whose prayer was answered. The childless mother had now become the mother of many children.
Hannah’s prayers which was answered could also be seen through Samuel. Samuel who had become to be a wise ruler who serve God and his people.
Secondly, taking Samuel and Priest Eli as an example, both of them are a priest who serve both God and their people.
The Book of Samuel was written during the time of Judges. When we talked about Judges, in Judges 21: 25, “every man that which was right in his own eyes” this seems to sum up the era of Judge. Samuel was also one of the Judges during those time. He was not a king, but he had the same power as that of a king. While he works at being a judge, he also works as a priest.
God lift up Samuel as he is a faithful servant of God and God was with him. On the other hand, Priest Eli knowing that his sons made themselves vile, he does not restrained them; which angered the Lord.
Lastly, taking Saul and David as an example, both of them did not volunteered themselves to be king. They were both young and not ready when they were anointed to be a king. But David readily accepts his fate and started acting like a king. While Saul on the other hand does not act like a king. He was an irresponsible king who ran away from home and did not even have the patience to wait for Samuel to perform the rites. He took the role of Samuel and allegedly perform the rites. Saul does not take heed to any advice or suggestions coming his way. He bifurcated from the Lord and followed the will of the people.
David was nothing like Saul. When he was told that he made a mistake, he accepted it and asks the Lord for forgiveness and tries to do right by his people and God. Therefore he and his generations were blessed”.
The Elder concluded his sermon by saying that, “When the righteous suffers from being one the Lord listens. The act of righteousness never goes in vain. We must always be ready and courageous enough to pay the cost of being righteous.
Righteousness does not always lead to another series of tests or troubles. Sometimes the Lord choose to protect and shield us from tears”.
By Irene Kimnunhoih Hauzel
