Thursday, 22^nd June 2023

Andrews Ampomah

TOPIC: LIVING WITHOUT HIS PRESENCE

THEME SCRIPTURE: “And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen. And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni, and Phinehas, were slain.” – 1 Samuel 4:10-11

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Why was Israel defeated even though the ark of God was in their midst?
2. What did it mean for the ark of God (which was a symbol of God’s presence) to be taken by Israel’s enemies?

All through world history, Christians have left remarkable impacts on their world. The sole reason behind their profound impact can be attributed to the unwavering presence of the God they worship, who consistently stood with them. In our day, we’ve seen an unprecedented rise in the establishment of churches on a global scale. Particularly in Africa, churches are springing up almost everywhere—in classrooms, open fields, people's homes, under trees, and in small and large auditoriums. The abundance of towering billboards announcing Christian conferences, posters, and banners vying for attention by highlighting the latest spiritual movement or ‘revelation’ to attract massive crowds is innumerable.

We are constantly seeking fulfilment by hopping from one Christian program to another. In many ways, we fit Paul’s description of the Athenians as being “very religious” (Acts 17:22).  But are we impacting our generation?

The fourth chapter of 1 Samuel introduces us to one of the most historically sad and dark moments in the nation of Israel. The Philistines (who had hitherto been defeated several times by Israel) came to war against Israel and massively defeated them. Israel lost four thousand soldiers on the battlefield. Questioning why God would allow such a defeat, Israel resolved to carry the sacred Ark of the Covenant with them to battle. Their faith in this was “that when it comes among us, it may save us from the hand of our enemies.” In those days, the Ark of the Covenant affirmed the full presence of God in the midst of His people. When the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into their camp, all Israel shouted so loudly that the earth shook (1 Sam 4:5). The shout was so loud that it terrified the Philistines (1 Sam 4:7) because they knew that the presence of the Ark was an affirmation that the God of the whole earth was in their midst. Unfortunately, an additional 30,000 soldiers of Israel tragically lost their lives, and the Ark was captured by the Philistines. The Ark, which was their symbol of hope and assurance of the presence of God, did not bring victory over their enemies. Unbeknownst to them, God was no longer in their midst; they had turned away from Him.

Like Samson, they shook themselves because of the Ark: “But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him (Judges 16:20).”

Beloved in Christ, tokens and symbols are not a guarantee that God is in the midst of a people. We cannot assume that religious oils, water, crosses, candles, etc. constitute the presence of God in our lives, homes, etc. We must develop personal relationships with God Almighty through the Holy Spirit. We must live under His leadership in holiness and humility (James 4:7). Then we can also bring God’s holy presence to our workplaces, homes, and churches. It begins with you and me staying true to our relationship with God. Resolve to make God your pursuit today and allow Him to have preeminence in everything you’re involved in, and you will know success and make an impact. God bless you.

 

FURTHER READING – 1 Samuel 4

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so   

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. What has been your Christian impact on your family and the community you find yourself in?

 

CONFESSION

Heavenly Father, I receive your forgiveness for turning my gaze from you to focus on tokens and elements. From today, my gaze is set on Jesus, who is the author and finisher of my faith. Through the Holy Spirit of God and His Word, I am developing my relationship with God, ever abiding in your presence all my days. Hallelujah!

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

1 Samuel 1; Isaiah 46; Isaiah 47; Revelation 3; Revelation 4