Faith That Isn’t Transactional | 1 Samuel 4

I'm thinking about like the classic I'm thinking about like the classic football player who's like reliving the football player who's like reliving the football player who's like reliving the glory days is like the thing that like glory days is like the thing that like glory days is like the thing that like comes to mind you know it's just like comes to mind you know it's just like comes to mind you know it's just like man in high school you know like this man in high school you know like this man in high school you know like this and that you know that and it's like and that you know that and it's like and that you know that and it's like yeah you were the man like in high yeah you were the man like in high yeah you were the man like in high school you know but it's like school you know but it's like school you know but it's like >> you're >> you're >> you're >> you're 47 now [laughter] >> you're 47 now [laughter] >> you're 47 now [laughter] and you're not good at football anymore. and you're not good at football anymore. and you're not good at football anymore. Uh, and and I think like spiritually I'm Uh, and and I think like spiritually I'm Uh, and and I think like spiritually I'm like going on this idea for like like going on this idea for like like going on this idea for like >> yeah, when I was 16 and I like made a >> yeah, when I was 16 and I like made a >> yeah, when I was 16 and I like made a decision to follow Jesus, I felt a decision to follow Jesus, I felt a decision to follow Jesus, I felt a closeness and a hunger and a desire. And closeness and a hunger and a desire. And closeness and a hunger and a desire. And not in a in a legalistic way at all, but not in a in a legalistic way at all, but not in a in a legalistic way at all, but like at my age now, am I still choosing? like at my age now, am I still choosing? like at my age now, am I still choosing? >> That's so good. >> That's so good. >> That's so good. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> To follow Jesus like today. Like, do I >> To follow Jesus like today. Like, do I >> To follow Jesus like today. Like, do I still believe all of that stuff still believe all of that stuff still believe all of that stuff >> today? >> today? >> today? This is the Crossroads Daily. No This is the Crossroads Daily. No This is the Crossroads Daily. No experts, no perfect people, just honest experts, no perfect people, just honest experts, no perfect people, just honest conversations about what happens when conversations about what happens when conversations about what happens when the Bible shows up in real life. [music] >> Hey everybody, I'm Chuck. >> Hey everybody, I'm Chuck. >> I'm Jamie. >> I'm Jamie. >> I'm Jamie. >> I'm Peter. >> I'm Peter. >> I'm Peter. >> I'm Jordan. >> I'm Jordan. >> I'm Jordan. >> And what a chapter. There's a lot going >> And what a chapter. There's a lot going >> And what a chapter. There's a lot going on in this chapter. A lot. So, what what on in this chapter. A lot. So, what what on in this chapter. A lot. So, what what stands out to you? What what part of stands out to you? What what part of stands out to you? What what part of this kind of popped for you guys as you this kind of popped for you guys as you this kind of popped for you guys as you read it?

read it? read it? I mean, one thing is just that God's I mean, one thing is just that God's I mean, one thing is just that God's reputation with the Philistines. reputation with the Philistines. reputation with the Philistines. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> God already had a reputation as oh gosh, >> God already had a reputation as oh gosh, >> God already had a reputation as oh gosh, like they remembered the plagues. Like like they remembered the plagues. Like like they remembered the plagues. Like they they're like, "Oh my god, like we they they're like, "Oh my god, like we they they're like, "Oh my god, like we don't don't don't >> they got nervous, you know." Um >> they got nervous, you know." Um >> they got nervous, you know." Um >> it just shows how primed the the >> it just shows how primed the the >> it just shows how primed the the Israelites could have been for victory Israelites could have been for victory Israelites could have been for victory in a lot of ways. in a lot of ways. in a lot of ways. >> Yeah. You know. >> Yeah. You know. >> Yeah. You know. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I'm also struck kind of similarly that I'm also struck kind of similarly that I'm also struck kind of similarly that the Philistines had more reverence for the Philistines had more reverence for the Philistines had more reverence for God God God than his children did, right? than his children did, right? than his children did, right? >> They were like, "Ah, we're losing. Oh, >> They were like, "Ah, we're losing. Oh, >> They were like, "Ah, we're losing. Oh, go get go get the thing, you know, the go get go get the thing, you know, the go get go get the thing, you know, the thing." And then it like comes in and thing." And then it like comes in and thing." And then it like comes in and then, you know, God performs like a like then, you know, God performs like a like then, you know, God performs like a like a circus act or something like that. And a circus act or something like that. And a circus act or something like that. And meanwhile, the Philistines are like, meanwhile, the Philistines are like, meanwhile, the Philistines are like, >> "A God has entered the camp." Like, >> "A God has entered the camp." Like, >> "A God has entered the camp." Like, what's going on here? Okay, now we got what's going on here? Okay, now we got what's going on here? Okay, now we got to man up because it's the only way. to man up because it's the only way. to man up because it's the only way. Like I mean they didn't fully understand Like I mean they didn't fully understand Like I mean they didn't fully understand the power of God, but they like the power of God, but they like the power of God, but they like >> they just had more respect for him than >> they just had more respect for him than >> they just had more respect for him than his own children. his own children. his own children. >> Yeah. Yeah. So indicting. I mean, think >> Yeah. Yeah. So indicting. I mean, think >> Yeah. Yeah. So indicting. I mean, think about that's a very indicting experience about that's a very indicting experience about that's a very indicting experience and also very You're right. That's in and also very You're right. That's in and also very You're right. That's in the chapter. That's in the chapter. I the chapter. That's in the chapter. I the chapter. That's in the chapter. I I'm struck by the the idea that the ark I'm struck by the the idea that the ark I'm struck by the the idea that the ark is a good luck charm is a good luck charm is a good luck charm >> and uh it it makes me think about things >> and uh it it makes me think about things >> and uh it it makes me think about things like that that I've used in my life and like that that I've used in my life and like that that I've used in my life and thinking they would be good luck charms, thinking they would be good luck charms, thinking they would be good luck charms, right? You know, I certainly have played right? You know, I certainly have played right? You know, I certainly have played the game with God of, okay, if I'm the game with God of, okay, if I'm the game with God of, okay, if I'm morally good and I don't sin, then this morally good and I don't sin, then this morally good and I don't sin, then this thing that I want over here should thing that I want over here should thing that I want over here should happen for me. I have absolutely tried happen for me. I have absolutely tried happen for me. I have absolutely tried to do that with God. And um and it it

to do that with God. And um and it it to do that with God. And um and it it doesn't work. It doesn't work. doesn't work. It doesn't work. doesn't work. It doesn't work. >> Uh but yeah, I mean there's lots of >> Uh but yeah, I mean there's lots of >> Uh but yeah, I mean there's lots of things like that that I can think about. things like that that I can think about. things like that that I can think about. I wonder for you guys, is there anything I wonder for you guys, is there anything I wonder for you guys, is there anything that comes to mind of like what's a it that comes to mind of like what's a it that comes to mind of like what's a it could be a practice, it could be an could be a practice, it could be an could be a practice, it could be an object, I don't know, anything that you object, I don't know, anything that you object, I don't know, anything that you would say, yeah, I've kind of treated would say, yeah, I've kind of treated would say, yeah, I've kind of treated this like a good luck charm in my this like a good luck charm in my this like a good luck charm in my relationship with God relationship with God relationship with God >> or in trying to get God to do stuff for >> or in trying to get God to do stuff for >> or in trying to get God to do stuff for me. me. me. >> I mean, I'll I'll jump in quick like the >> I mean, I'll I'll jump in quick like the >> I mean, I'll I'll jump in quick like the the ark being that's where God's the ark being that's where God's the ark being that's where God's presence lies. presence lies. presence lies. >> And so often I treat God's presence >> And so often I treat God's presence >> And so often I treat God's presence almost or I see myself doing this where almost or I see myself doing this where almost or I see myself doing this where it's almost like a tool or like a means it's almost like a tool or like a means it's almost like a tool or like a means to an end. Like to an end. Like to an end. Like >> I want God's presence. I want to be >> I want God's presence. I want to be >> I want God's presence. I want to be right with God so that I can blank, so right with God so that I can blank, so right with God so that I can blank, so that I can do my job better. So that I that I can do my job better. So that I that I can do my job better. So that I can have this conversation, so that I can have this conversation, so that I can have this conversation, so that I can heal, so that I can can heal, so that I can can heal, so that I can >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And again, God's been continually >> And again, God's been continually >> And again, God's been continually working on me like, "Are you seeking me working on me like, "Are you seeking me working on me like, "Are you seeking me for my sake?" for my sake?" for my sake?" >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And sometimes the answer is I mean, I'm >> And sometimes the answer is I mean, I'm >> And sometimes the answer is I mean, I'm I humbly have to admit that sometimes I humbly have to admit that sometimes I humbly have to admit that sometimes the answer is no. And it's the answer is no. And it's the answer is no. And it's >> that's tough. >> that's tough. >> that's tough. >> And needs correction, you know, or I >> And needs correction, you know, or I >> And needs correction, you know, or I mean, God corrects me in that. And mean, God corrects me in that. And mean, God corrects me in that. And >> And God's still gracious and continues >> And God's still gracious and continues >> And God's still gracious and continues to give me his presence despite to give me his presence despite to give me his presence despite >> Exactly. despite my, you know, um, >> Exactly. despite my, you know, um, >> Exactly. despite my, you know, um, misconceptions about our relationship misconceptions about our relationship misconceptions about our relationship [laughter] sometimes.

[laughter] sometimes. [laughter] sometimes. >> Yeah. I think I'm always tempted to >> Yeah. I think I'm always tempted to >> Yeah. I think I'm always tempted to >> want to do something for God. Like, God, >> want to do something for God. Like, God, >> want to do something for God. Like, God, I'm going to make this sacrifice in my I'm going to make this sacrifice in my I'm going to make this sacrifice in my life. I'm [clears throat] not going to life. I'm [clears throat] not going to life. I'm [clears throat] not going to do this or I'm going to try to live do this or I'm going to try to live do this or I'm going to try to live differently in this area or I'm going to differently in this area or I'm going to differently in this area or I'm going to give this thing up and it feels like give this thing up and it feels like give this thing up and it feels like significant. And I think it's like what significant. And I think it's like what significant. And I think it's like what he wants me to do and that it honors he wants me to do and that it honors he wants me to do and that it honors him. And then I'm also like and then him. And then I'm also like and then him. And then I'm also like and then that means I'm going to get like one that means I'm going to get like one that means I'm going to get like one wish, you know, like I can ask anything. wish, you know, like I can ask anything. wish, you know, like I can ask anything. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> I love that. >> I love that. >> I love that. >> And it's like a one for one, you know, >> And it's like a one for one, you know, >> And it's like a one for one, you know, kind of thing. And it's sort of like a kind of thing. And it's sort of like a kind of thing. And it's sort of like a I'm doing this thing that like I'm doing this thing that like I'm doing this thing that like technically technically technically >> you want me to do or that like you have >> you want me to do or that like you have >> you want me to do or that like you have encouraged or or said this is good, encouraged or or said this is good, encouraged or or said this is good, >> but the motive behind it is all all off. >> but the motive behind it is all all off. >> but the motive behind it is all all off. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Absolutely. And and that's what religion >> Absolutely. And and that's what religion >> Absolutely. And and that's what religion is, is, is, >> right? Like and all of us can be guilty >> right? Like and all of us can be guilty >> right? Like and all of us can be guilty of that, right? Like our default is of that, right? Like our default is of that, right? Like our default is religion, which is basically I do this religion, which is basically I do this religion, which is basically I do this and then God owes me that, whatever that and then God owes me that, whatever that and then God owes me that, whatever that that is, right? That's what religion that is, right? That's what religion that is, right? That's what religion >> always drives to. And and yeah, God is >> always drives to. And and yeah, God is >> always drives to. And and yeah, God is he he doesn't play that way. He doesn't he he doesn't play that way. He doesn't he he doesn't play that way. He doesn't play that way. He doesn't play that game play that way. He doesn't play that game play that way. He doesn't play that game >> and he always brings us back to is it >> and he always brings us back to is it >> and he always brings us back to is it really about relationship with you? I really about relationship with you? I really about relationship with you? I mean, I think that's why that's why he mean, I think that's why that's why he mean, I think that's why that's why he allows his people to lose in this allows his people to lose in this allows his people to lose in this battle, right? It wasn't because he battle, right? It wasn't because he battle, right? It wasn't because he didn't care about them. It's like, look, didn't care about them. It's like, look, didn't care about them. It's like, look, you you you >> you don't want me. you still don't want >> you don't want me. you still don't want >> you don't want me. you still don't want me. You want the things of me, but you me. You want the things of me, but you me. You want the things of me, but you don't really want me.

don't really want me. don't really want me. >> And so, I think he and and even in their >> And so, I think he and and even in their >> And so, I think he and and even in their pain, what he wanted them to do was cry pain, what he wanted them to do was cry pain, what he wanted them to do was cry out to him authentically. I think that's out to him authentically. I think that's out to him authentically. I think that's what he was hoping for. what he was hoping for. what he was hoping for. >> Um, and then at the end of this, Eli, >> Um, and then at the end of this, Eli, >> Um, and then at the end of this, Eli, who, who, who, >> let's be clear, was a prophet that God >> let's be clear, was a prophet that God >> let's be clear, was a prophet that God had used and was faithful to some had used and was faithful to some had used and was faithful to some degree, although at the end of his life degree, although at the end of his life degree, although at the end of his life probably less so. Um, he hears about probably less so. Um, he hears about probably less so. Um, he hears about what happens with the ark. He hears what happens with the ark. He hears what happens with the ark. He hears about what happens with his sons, and he about what happens with his sons, and he about what happens with his sons, and he dies. Like it's a it's a very dies. Like it's a it's a very dies. Like it's a it's a very ignominious. Is that the right word? ignominious. Is that the right word? ignominious. Is that the right word? It's a very Yeah. Ignominous failure It's a very Yeah. Ignominous failure It's a very Yeah. Ignominous failure that he has. So like what do you what do that he has. So like what do you what do that he has. So like what do you what do you you you >> what would you say? Ignore. >> what would you say? Ignore. >> what would you say? Ignore. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Am I using that right? >> Am I using that right? >> Am I using that right? >> I don't know. >> I don't know. >> I don't know. >> That might not be the right word, but >> That might not be the right word, but >> That might not be the right word, but like it's a very not cool. It's a very like it's a very not cool. It's a very like it's a very not cool. It's a very notable It's a very not noble way to notable It's a very not noble way to notable It's a very not noble way to die. [laughter] die. [laughter] die. [laughter] >> I didn't know what um I I think about >> I didn't know what um I I think about >> I didn't know what um I I think about these cautionary tales in the Bible. Um, these cautionary tales in the Bible. Um, these cautionary tales in the Bible. Um, and I think Eli is another one of these and I think Eli is another one of these and I think Eli is another one of these cautionary tales that you can be you can cautionary tales that you can be you can cautionary tales that you can be you can be so tight with God that you are be so tight with God that you are be so tight with God that you are literally the prophet of Israel literally the prophet of Israel literally the prophet of Israel >> and you can still die disconnected from >> and you can still die disconnected from >> and you can still die disconnected from God God God >> and bro in in a way that's just sad.

>> and bro in in a way that's just sad. >> and bro in in a way that's just sad. >> Um, and I just, you know, as I get >> Um, and I just, you know, as I get >> Um, and I just, you know, as I get older, I just realize like older, I just realize like older, I just realize like >> shame on me if I think I'm so far >> shame on me if I think I'm so far >> shame on me if I think I'm so far removed that will never be me. And so, removed that will never be me. And so, removed that will never be me. And so, how do you guys think about that? How do how do you guys think about that? How do how do you guys think about that? How do you process Eli's ending? you process Eli's ending? you process Eli's ending? >> Isn't that kind of the other side of the >> Isn't that kind of the other side of the >> Isn't that kind of the other side of the coin of where we're like when we sin or coin of where we're like when we sin or coin of where we're like when we sin or we do something that we feel shame we do something that we feel shame we do something that we feel shame about? Like the beauty of it is like God about? Like the beauty of it is like God about? Like the beauty of it is like God doesn't hold us doesn't hold us doesn't hold us >> to like that's not God's only view of us >> to like that's not God's only view of us >> to like that's not God's only view of us >> and that there's grace and there's hope >> and that there's grace and there's hope >> and that there's grace and there's hope on the other side of it. on the other side of it. on the other side of it. >> And then sometimes we can get so I can >> And then sometimes we can get so I can >> And then sometimes we can get so I can get so caught up in like there's grace get so caught up in like there's grace get so caught up in like there's grace and there's hope. So like then I'm over and there's hope. So like then I'm over and there's hope. So like then I'm over here like forgetting or ignoring or kind here like forgetting or ignoring or kind here like forgetting or ignoring or kind of like well then God you just want me of like well then God you just want me of like well then God you just want me to feel great about things so I can just to feel great about things so I can just to feel great about things so I can just go do these other things. go do these other things. go do these other things. >> And so I think in that space it's just >> And so I think in that space it's just >> And so I think in that space it's just that like the reminder that like every that like the reminder that like every that like the reminder that like every day every moment every decision every day every moment every decision every day every moment every decision every choice is an opportunity to choose God. choice is an opportunity to choose God. choice is an opportunity to choose God. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Or choose myself. >> Or choose myself. >> Or choose myself. >> And from minute to minute I could get it >> And from minute to minute I could get it >> And from minute to minute I could get it right right right >> and just as easily I get it wrong. Um, >> and just as easily I get it wrong. Um, >> and just as easily I get it wrong. Um, and so just being able to sit in that and so just being able to sit in that and so just being able to sit in that and knowing that like dependent on me, and knowing that like dependent on me, and knowing that like dependent on me, >> there's no hope, >> there's no hope, >> there's no hope, >> but dependent on God, like there's grace >> but dependent on God, like there's grace >> but dependent on God, like there's grace and there's hope and there's mercy and there's hope and there's mercy and there's hope and there's mercy >> and there's conviction and there's >> and there's conviction and there's >> and there's conviction and there's consequence and there's uh correction.

consequence and there's uh correction. consequence and there's uh correction. So, it's all one coin and I think it So, it's all one coin and I think it So, it's all one coin and I think it just depends where it lands. just depends where it lands. just depends where it lands. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I'm thinking about like the >> Yeah. I'm thinking about like the >> Yeah. I'm thinking about like the classic classic classic uh like football player who's like uh like football player who's like uh like football player who's like reliving the glory days is like the reliving the glory days is like the reliving the glory days is like the thing that like comes to mind, you know? thing that like comes to mind, you know? thing that like comes to mind, you know? It's just like, man, in high school, you It's just like, man, in high school, you It's just like, man, in high school, you know, like this and that, you know, all know, like this and that, you know, all know, like this and that, you know, all that. And it's like, yeah, you were the that. And it's like, yeah, you were the that. And it's like, yeah, you were the man like in high school, you know, but man like in high school, you know, but man like in high school, you know, but it's like, it's like, it's like, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> you're >> you're >> you're >> you're 47. >> you're 47. >> you're 47. >> You're 40 now. Yeah. And you're not good >> You're 40 now. Yeah. And you're not good >> You're 40 now. Yeah. And you're not good at football anymore. [laughter] at football anymore. [laughter] at football anymore. [laughter] Uh, and I think like spiritually I'm Uh, and I think like spiritually I'm Uh, and I think like spiritually I'm like going on this idea for like, like going on this idea for like, like going on this idea for like, >> yeah, when I was 16 and I like made a >> yeah, when I was 16 and I like made a >> yeah, when I was 16 and I like made a decision to follow Jesus, I felt a decision to follow Jesus, I felt a decision to follow Jesus, I felt a closeness and a hunger and a desire. And closeness and a hunger and a desire. And closeness and a hunger and a desire. And not in a in a legalistic way at all, but not in a in a legalistic way at all, but not in a in a legalistic way at all, but like at my age now, am I still choosing like at my age now, am I still choosing like at my age now, am I still choosing >> That's so good. Mhm. >> That's so good. Mhm. >> That's so good. Mhm. >> to follow Jesus like today. Like, do I >> to follow Jesus like today. Like, do I >> to follow Jesus like today. Like, do I still believe all of that stuff still believe all of that stuff still believe all of that stuff >> today because Eli's the cautionary tale >> today because Eli's the cautionary tale >> today because Eli's the cautionary tale around probably looking back to the around probably looking back to the around probably looking back to the glory days like, glory days like, glory days like, >> man, don't you remember, you know, this >> man, don't you remember, you know, this >> man, don't you remember, you know, this and that, right? And and actually in his and that, right? And and actually in his and that, right? And and actually in his present moment, he doesn't really have a present moment, he doesn't really have a present moment, he doesn't really have a worry worry worry >> in the world about like any of those >> in the world about like any of those >> in the world about like any of those things.

things. things. >> Man, that's so good. I I think you talk >> Man, that's so good. I I think you talk >> Man, that's so good. I I think you talk about the football thing. Uh there's a about the football thing. Uh there's a about the football thing. Uh there's a high school in Cincinnati that will high school in Cincinnati that will high school in Cincinnati that will remain nameless, [laughter] but one of remain nameless, [laughter] but one of remain nameless, [laughter] but one of the things you should know about the things you should know about the things you should know about Cincinnati is they take their football Cincinnati is they take their football Cincinnati is they take their football very seriously and particularly at our very seriously and particularly at our very seriously and particularly at our Catholic high schools, they take it very Catholic high schools, they take it very Catholic high schools, they take it very seriously. So now people are limited seriously. So now people are limited seriously. So now people are limited down. They know I'm talking to at least down. They know I'm talking to at least down. They know I'm talking to at least one four schools, but I'm still not one four schools, but I'm still not one four schools, but I'm still not going to name the school. But totally going to name the school. But totally going to name the school. But totally was there. First time I ever went to was there. First time I ever went to was there. First time I ever went to that school for a game and there were that school for a game and there were that school for a game and there were these guys who were clearly in their 60s these guys who were clearly in their 60s these guys who were clearly in their 60s wearing their high school. wearing their high school. wearing their high school. >> They were wear and they were wearing >> They were wear and they were wearing >> They were wear and they were wearing their high school jackets that didn't their high school jackets that didn't their high school jackets that didn't fit. [laughter] fit. [laughter] fit. [laughter] >> Yeah. And I mean, what a what a powerful >> Yeah. And I mean, what a what a powerful >> Yeah. And I mean, what a what a powerful prophetic picture of like I can do the prophetic picture of like I can do the prophetic picture of like I can do the same thing. same thing. same thing. >> I can be trying to like, hey, don't you >> I can be trying to like, hey, don't you >> I can be trying to like, hey, don't you remember when I did this thing called remember when I did this thing called remember when I did this thing called starting undivided? Don't don't you starting undivided? Don't don't you starting undivided? Don't don't you remember when I preached this message remember when I preached this message remember when I preached this message that really impacted people? Don't you that really impacted people? Don't you that really impacted people? Don't you remember when I did this? And I can be remember when I did this? And I can be remember when I did this? And I can be living in that thing and it doesn't fit living in that thing and it doesn't fit living in that thing and it doesn't fit today. It's not it's not a real today. It's not it's not a real today. It's not it's not a real relationship with God today. I think relationship with God today. I think relationship with God today. I think that is such a powerful picture um that that is such a powerful picture um that that is such a powerful picture um that I can relate to. And so so let me ask I can relate to. And so so let me ask I can relate to. And so so let me ask you this. How do you keep it fresh?

you this. How do you keep it fresh? you this. How do you keep it fresh? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> How do you keep it fresh? What's it look >> How do you keep it fresh? What's it look >> How do you keep it fresh? What's it look like to keep it fresh in your like to keep it fresh in your like to keep it fresh in your relationship with God so you're not relationship with God so you're not relationship with God so you're not trying to live off of yesterday's trying to live off of yesterday's trying to live off of yesterday's victories? victories? victories? >> I mean, I don't I I want to work this >> I mean, I don't I I want to work this >> I mean, I don't I I want to work this into the fresh comment, but it it is into the fresh comment, but it it is into the fresh comment, but it it is more about the cautionary tale part. more about the cautionary tale part. more about the cautionary tale part. >> Yeah. Like, go for it. >> Yeah. Like, go for it. >> Yeah. Like, go for it. >> Um, >> Um, >> Um, >> I just I think about the lie that you >> I just I think about the lie that you >> I just I think about the lie that you have to clean yourself up to go back to have to clean yourself up to go back to have to clean yourself up to go back to God and the way shame keeps you God and the way shame keeps you God and the way shame keeps you separated from God. Because what I see separated from God. Because what I see separated from God. Because what I see in Eli more than anything in Eli more than anything in Eli more than anything >> is he's ashamed of his sons. He's >> is he's ashamed of his sons. He's >> is he's ashamed of his sons. He's ashamed of where Israel is. ashamed of where Israel is. ashamed of where Israel is. >> He's ashamed of himself >> He's ashamed of himself >> He's ashamed of himself >> and he doesn't go to God. He could >> and he doesn't go to God. He could >> and he doesn't go to God. He could repent. He could turn to God at any repent. He could turn to God at any repent. He could turn to God at any time. He could be in front of that altar time. He could be in front of that altar time. He could be in front of that altar the way Samuel is. the way Samuel is. the way Samuel is. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> He could do that and he doesn't. I think >> He could do that and he doesn't. I think >> He could do that and he doesn't. I think more so that it's not because he doesn't more so that it's not because he doesn't more so that it's not because he doesn't know God, doesn't want God. It's cuz oh know God, doesn't want God. It's cuz oh know God, doesn't want God. It's cuz oh well, I'm too I'm too messed up now, well, I'm too I'm too messed up now, well, I'm too I'm too messed up now, >> you know? >> you know? >> you know? >> And so maybe >> And so maybe >> And so maybe >> maybe one of the ways that to to keep >> maybe one of the ways that to to keep >> maybe one of the ways that to to keep that fresh is to just that fresh is to just that fresh is to just >> not don't let shame win in that sense. >> not don't let shame win in that sense. >> not don't let shame win in that sense. Like you know when whenever there is Like you know when whenever there is Like you know when whenever there is something in your life you're like oh something in your life you're like oh something in your life you're like oh like this disqualifies me from being in like this disqualifies me from being in like this disqualifies me from being in God's presence or this disqualifies you God's presence or this disqualifies you God's presence or this disqualifies you for seeking him out like for seeking him out like for seeking him out like >> just carry that to God with you. Show up >> just carry that to God with you. Show up >> just carry that to God with you. Show up as you are.

as you are. as you are. >> That's so good, man. >> That's so good, man. >> That's so good, man. >> And repent. And he he want he he wants >> And repent. And he he want he he wants >> And repent. And he he want he he wants you with him. He he wants you your you with him. He he wants you your you with him. He he wants you your relationship with you above all else. relationship with you above all else. relationship with you above all else. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And he does not expect perfection. >> And he does not expect perfection. >> And he does not expect perfection. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> So that's that's the >> So that's that's the >> So that's that's the >> that >> that >> that >> that's what I think about. >> that's what I think about. >> that's what I think about. >> Isn't it interesting? Isn't it >> Isn't it interesting? Isn't it >> Isn't it interesting? Isn't it interesting that Jesus's message to interesting that Jesus's message to interesting that Jesus's message to those who would be like the Eli of their those who would be like the Eli of their those who would be like the Eli of their day, to the Pharisees, to the religious day, to the Pharisees, to the religious day, to the Pharisees, to the religious leaders is exactly that. I mean, I'm leaders is exactly that. I mean, I'm leaders is exactly that. I mean, I'm always struck by the fact that in the always struck by the fact that in the always struck by the fact that in the prodigal son story, prodigal son story, prodigal son story, >> Jesus is talking to two audiences. >> Jesus is talking to two audiences. >> Jesus is talking to two audiences. >> He Yeah, he's telling that story of this >> He Yeah, he's telling that story of this >> He Yeah, he's telling that story of this loving father who has a son who goes loving father who has a son who goes loving father who has a son who goes away and that son is welcomed home. But away and that son is welcomed home. But away and that son is welcomed home. But that father also had an elder brother, that father also had an elder brother, that father also had an elder brother, an older son, a religious person if you an older son, a religious person if you an older son, a religious person if you will, who was also standing on the will, who was also standing on the will, who was also standing on the outside at the end of the story. And I outside at the end of the story. And I outside at the end of the story. And I think the the thing that Jesus would think the the thing that Jesus would think the the thing that Jesus would want you to know, want me to know, would want you to know, want me to know, would want you to know, want me to know, would want you to know want you to know want you to know >> is no matter where you are, you can >> is no matter where you are, you can >> is no matter where you are, you can always come home. always come home. always come home. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You can always come home. My wife is big >> You can always come home. My wife is big >> You can always come home. My wife is big on this. My wife was like, "Listen, I on this. My wife was like, "Listen, I on this. My wife was like, "Listen, I know we're raising kids to be adults, know we're raising kids to be adults, know we're raising kids to be adults, and I want my kids to know they can and I want my kids to know they can and I want my kids to know they can always come home."

always come home." always come home." >> And I think that's the that's the kind >> And I think that's the that's the kind >> And I think that's the that's the kind of father we have. We have a father who of father we have. We have a father who of father we have. We have a father who says if you're stuck in shame or pride says if you're stuck in shame or pride says if you're stuck in shame or pride um you can always come home. So I just um you can always come home. So I just um you can always come home. So I just pray that that blesses you today.