"So the messenger answered and said, 'Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter among the people. Also your two sons, Hophni and Phineheas, and dead; and the ark of the LORD has been captured.' Then it happened when he made mention of the ark of God, that Eli fell off the seat backward by the side of the gate; and his neck was broken, and he died, for the man was old and heavy. And he had judged Israel 40 years."
I Samuel 4:17-18
Eli's life-sentence was that he had judged Israel 40 years. (In a previous Dad's Ramblings, "life-sentence" was defined as the one sentence that summarizes a person's life. See DR for Proverbs 10:7.) Since he was 98 years old (vs. 15), that means he was nearly 60 when he began to judge. Even apart from the life-sentence, the record does not show any great accomplishments. He was remembered for being "old and fat," a poor father, and death by a broken neck. (At least, he did not fall off of a ladder!!!!) This is not a remarkable life-sentence for almost a century of living. But neither will my obituary be remarkable. I do not have any great accomplishments on my resume. But I really have only one desire: to be remembered as a man who loved Jesus.
Today's Thought: Each of us will be remembered by something – either good or bad.
Have a great life-sentence. Love you.
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