He was more concerned with the symbols, (the sacrifices that were been offered), than with the God they represented. For Eli, the Ark of the Covenant had become a relic to be protected rather than a reminder of the Protector. His faith had shifted from Creator to the created. In 1 Sam.2:29 God asked Eli through the prophet “so why do you scorn (lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike) my sacrifices and offerings?
Why do you give your sons more honor than you give me…….. But I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me (Mal.2:7-9). In 1Sam.2:32 (NLT) (You will watch with envy as I pour out prosperity on the people of Israel. But no members of your family will ever live out their days) because of dishonor to God. Eli and his family were there but were only watchers of what God was doing. In Mk.6:1-6 Jesus Christ was seen by the inhabitants of Nazareth as just a carpenter’s son.
They refused to honor and recognize Jesus as the son of God hence did not receive the honor due them from Him. In Lk.13:31-35, Jesus was speaking to Jerusalem that was known for dishonoring and killing prophets, that until they began to honor Jesus as Lord only then shall honor come to them. The word of God has come forth to us this year as a year of overflow, signs and wonders through the prophet in the house, how have you treated that word? (Jn. 13:20, Matt.10:40-42).
Have you just treated it as same old same old or have you honored that word from the prophet as from God, the way you honor the word of God so shall He honor your words to Him (Gal.6:7). David in 2 Sam.23:16, 17 refused to drink the water that was brought to him by his mighty men, he saw their sacrifice as an honor to him and therefore decided to pour it out as a sign of honor to God.
HOW THEN CAN WE HONOR GOD? 1. With your substance (Prov.3:9, 10): when we honor God with our substance (the stuff of which an object consists), then He will honor us with an overflow. These were their substance: to the widow of Zarephath 1Kg.17:12 the last meal; the lad was his 5 loaves and 2 fishes Jn.6:9; the widow was the 2 mites in Mk.12:43, 44. God is asking us to honor Him with our substance (time, money, love etc.) our first fruits not our left overs.
Give and it shall be given back to you (Lk.6:38). 2. Honor God for who He is and what He honors: i) As you honor God’s word He will honor your words to Him Prov.4:20-22. As you put God’s word first place in your life and not treat it as ordinary He will honor your words. If you don’t He will despise and humiliate you before people; ii) Love what God loves and hate what He hates Prov.8:13; Ps.97:10; iii) Guard the words of your mouth 1Sam.2:3 iv) Honor God’s servant (Matt.10:41). In Mk. 6:1-5, the people did not receive Jesus not because He was not anointed but because they knew who His parents were and therefore got offended (dishonored) of who He said He was. As children of God when we give God the honor that He deserves in all its ramifications we will see things come to pass in our lives that are above everything we could ever ask or think.
