EPISODE 479 – BEWARE OF AN ELIAB 1

Thursday 16th, May 2024

BEWARE OF AN ELIAB 1

“Eliab, his older brother, heard David fraternizing with the men and lost his temper: “What are you doing here! Why aren’t you minding your own business, tending that scrawny flock of sheep? I know what you’re up to. You’ve come down here to see the sights, hoping for a ringside seat at a bloody battle!” 

1 Samuel 17:28 (Message)

There are several verses in the Bible that instruct and provide warning to the saints in Christ to beware of some fellows in the Church.

Such as:

– Those who teach another gospel, which is not the gospel of Jesus. ( 2 Corinthians 11:4)

– False Teachers (Titus 1:10-11).

– Error of unprincipled men (2 Peter 3:17)

– Beware of dogs  (Philippians 3:2). This is in reference to Christians who imposed requirements of the law of Moses and the religious practices of Jews as means of Salvation.

– Orators who deceive through old fables and philosophical reasoning. (Colossians 2:8)

– Those who cause division and put obstacles contrary to the teachings of Christ. (Romans 16:17-18)

There are many others the scriptures (especially the epistles), have warned the saints to avoid.

There are some other characteristics we have to avoid as we journey towards the fulfilment of God’s purpose for our lives.

Get this as we delve into today’s topic; the apostles recognized the Old Testament portion of the Bible (Genesis to Malachi) as the scriptures.

They established that the stories of people, events, places, etc which are written in the scriptures (Old Testament portion of the Bible) were for our learning.

“Whatever was written beforehand is meant to instruct us in how to live. The Scriptures impart to us encouragement and inspiration so that we can live in hope and endure all things.” Romans 15:4 (TPT)

See this as well:

“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11 (NKJV)

The people, their stories and events we read in the scriptures are not to just keep us abreast of historical accounts. They are testimonies of the revelation of Jesus (John 5:39) and also dispense virtues for our living through the knowledge of Christ.

Just as we are already gleaning wisdom from the life of David for our living.

Having this understanding, you must know that, there is no agreed concept in the scriptures called Eliab. Nevertheless, the character of Eliab in our study today embodies a certain group of people we must beware of as we journey towards purpose.

Eliab was the first Son of Jesse, while David was the youngest son. Thus, Eliab was David’s direct older brother.

Eliab wasn’t just an ordinary person. He wasn’t just a soldier in the army of Israel. He exudes so much aura of honor and hardly will anyone ignore him. Even Samuel the prophet nearly traded the consistency of his prophetic accuracy at the sight of Eliab.

Prophet Samuel was sent by God to anoint a new king for Israel from the house of Jesse.

So the Prophet invited Jesse and his sons, to where he was going to worship.

“When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Here he is! God’s anointed!” 1 Samuel 16:6 (Message)

The Prophet was convinced that Eliab was the king the moment he saw him. His appearance was elegant and depicted royalty.

And Samuel was a great Prophet whose words never fell to the ground.

“As Samuel grew up, the LORD was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable.” 1 Samuel 3:19 (NLT)

It wasn’t only Samuel who nearly appointed Eliab as king of Israel. Even God considered Eliab.

“But God told Samuel, “Looks aren’t everything. Don’t be impressed with his looks and stature. I’ve already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (Message).

God eliminated Eliab because he first included him on his list.

From this background you will understand the authority of Eliab as an older brother to David and also the presence he commands through his appearance.

Well, of all his aura in his looks and stature, he was part of Israel’s army who fell back and were frightened at the appearance of Goliath.

He wouldn’t dare take a step forward to confront Goliath. Thus, Eliab was excellent in appearance but a coward at heart.

He wasn’t bold enough and passionate about the Lord’s course to show up with the Lord and stand with his leader.

There are people in the Church like Eliab.

They outwardly look attractive and anointed. They enlist to be leaders and part of God’s work. They wish to do more for the Lord and claim to know the Lord. They believe they are serving the Lord but are not willing to go the extra mile for Jesus.

On the day of adversity, they can’t show up for Jesus. When everything seems to be comfortable and all glorious, they show up in their elegance. But never will they roll up their sleeves to work.

They are like Demas; Paul said this of Demas:

“Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica…” 2 Timothy 4:10 (NLT).

Beware of drawing inspiration from such people. They will never take a step for Jesus. They are in the Church, but are occupied with their self-interest (2 Timothy 3:2). They are only moved by convenience but not with conviction.

The slightest confrontation or attack against the Church, the Kingdom and the gospel they fall back.

They don’t truly love the things of Christ (Philippians 2:21).

Yet, they will complain when you are willing to go the extra mile or complain that you are risking your life for the spread of the gospel.

Beware of such, and avoid their pessimism.

Don’t be afraid, the Lord will bring you into success, for He works in you both to will and to do to fulfill His good pleasure and purpose.

Selah!