Many Parts /Many Powers

And what happens to your two sons, Hophni and Phineas, will be a sign to you-they will both die on the same day. 1^st Samuel 2:34

The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phineas, were raised in the home of a man who would be the high priest and spiritual leader of Israel for forty years. Eli was apparently a pious man, and the boys knew about Yahweh and His righteous commandments. Being in the line of Levi and Aaron they were able to serve as priests. They however continued to prostitute their Aaronic office, both spiritually and physically (vv 2:16, 22). God sent an unnamed man to Eli who prophesied He would judge the two men for it, and they would pay with their lives.

God has many attributes. While love is one of them, the one He wants to be known for is not His love but His holiness and that surprises many. His holiness means He is set apart and perfect without any kind of imperfection and that perfection defines who He is. Unrighteousness goes against all He is and represents. His purity and perfection demand He judges all unrighteousness.

When a warring tribe called the Philistines moved to attack Israel, the Jews decided to use the Ark of the Covenant as a magical talisman to lead them to victory. It demonstrated their superstition and spiritual laziness in ignoring the LORD and His commandments. The Ark was made for Israel’s yearly atonement through the sprinkling of sacrificial blood by the high priest (Leviticus 16:14-16, Romans 3:25). The people were using it contrary to God’s will and design in the Law of Moses. In the ensuing battle, God allowed the Philistines to triumph over Israel and capture the Ark. As He commanded, His judgment against Hophni and Phineas was fulfilled, and they died in the battle on the same day.

The ‘Whole Counsel of God’ means the entire Word of His revelation to mankind. Love is just one part of who God is, a very important part to be sure, but it does not define His totality. He is a God of many parts and many powers to save us in every scenario. Thankfully, He is the Becoming One, able to become what we need.

Because He is holy all He does is perfect, even to judgment which is just every time. His love will always temper His judgement against sin, but His justice will never overlook it, as in the case of Hophni and Phineas.

If God were only a God of love, He would be one-dimensional. A one-dimensional God of only love could never judge anything with full equity or impartiality. Many parts show us His many powers. He calls us to know Him and take upon ourselves His servitude and learn about Him (Matthew 11:29).

Thankfully He always judges righteously (rightly) now and will do so at His soon returning to judge the nations (Joel 3:2, Matthew 25:31-46). Many parts of our Living God mean many powers. The Becoming One in all our situations. Yes, He does love us for sure, but He is so much more for us who believe-many parts, many powers-the kind of God that in which we can trust and serve with confidence.

 Ken