Passage Read: 1 Chronicles 3-6
Meditation Verses: 6:32-33
Thought
There is something of a redemption story here. Samuel originally appointed his sons, including Joel, to follow him as judge over Israel. But his sons didn't walk in their father's ways: They took bribes and perverted justice. They're a key reason the Israelites asked for a king. But Joel's son Heman was apparently a great singer and musician and loved the Lord such that David appointed him as one of the chief singers in the tabernacle at Jerusalem. Despite his father's unfaithfulness, Heman proved faithful and served under David as one of the first official worship leaders before God! Samuel didn't live to see that, though he may have seen the budding gift and love for the Lord in his grandson. That surely would have been an encouragement to him, after seeing his own sons go after unjust gain. There's no record of any direct rebuke to Samuel's sons, but despite that, Heman grew up faithful to the Lord.
Application
This is an example of God's illustration through Ezekiel of a faithful father, a wicked son and a faithful grandson. There's no indication in Scripture that Joel repented, though it would be great if he did. But if he never did, his son's seeking of the Lord is an even greater encouragement that God's grace can overcome the waywardness of an intervening generation. A son may be a nominal believer, but there may be enough of a testimony or remnant of faith or community influence that the grandson could pick up the mantle and love and serve the Lord wholeheartedly. One wayward son may not necessarily be the end of a spiritual line. That's no guarantee, but there is reason to hope.