Raised UP

Text
“Then I will raise up a faithful priest who will serve me and do what I desire. I will establish his family and they will be priests to my anointed kings forever” (1 Samuel 2:35, NLT).

Insight
God promotes faithfulness. He raises up those who serve Him. He recognizes and blesses those who do what He desires. The scripture says that Samuel “served the Lord” (2:18). He “grew up in the presence of the Lord” (2:21). Samuel grew physically and “in favor with the Lord and with the people” (2:26). Are you faithful? Are you a servant of His desires?
On the other hand, God judges unfaithfulness. Eli and his sons “had no respect for the Lord or for their duties as priests” (2:12). “They treated the Lord’s offerings with contempt” (2:19). Eli was accused by God of honoring his sons above the Lord (2:29). These sins were very serious in the Lord’s sight.
God judges unfaithfulness yet promotes the faithful. Faithfulness can be defined as doing what is on the heart and mind of the Lord… and being a good manager of the opportunities and resources entrusted to you. Jesus told a story about faithfulness recorded in Luke 19. Summing up the point of the story He said, “to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away” (Luke 19:26).
Therefore, be faithful. Serve the Lord. He will raise you up. He will promote you and give you even more. What opportunities will you find today? How can you position yourself for promotion through faithfulness?

Prayer
Father, find me faithful. Reveal Your heart’s desires. I will serve You. Today, I will honor You and seek Your favor, presence and promotion. In Jesus name, AMEN.