Staying Pure in the Face of Corruption - Continue

 Matters reached such a point that Jehovah sent "a man of God," an unnamed prophet, to Eli with a strong message of judgment. Jehovah told Eli: "You keep honoring your sons more than me." God thus foretold that Eli's wicked sons would die on the same day and that Eli's family would suffer greatly, even losing is privilege in the priestly class.  Did this powerful warning bring about a change in that family? The record reveals no such change of heart. -1 Samuel 2:27-31.

How did all this corruption affect young Samuel? From time to time in this dark account, we find bright rays of light, good news about Samuel's growth and progress. Recall that at 1 Samuel 2:18, we read that Samuel was faithfully "ministering before Jehovah, as a boy." Even at that early age, Samuel centered his life on his service to God. In verse 21 of the same chapter, we read something even more heartwarming: The boy Samuel continued growing up with Jehovah." As he grew, his bond with his heavenly Father got stronger.  Such a close personal relationship with Jehovah is the surest protection against any form of corruption.

Next time: Staying Pure in the Face of Corruption - Conclusion

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