8th December 2024
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
Theme: TRUSTING IN GOD OR THE ARK?
THEME SCRIPTURE: "And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath Jehovah smitten us to-day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of Jehovah out of Shiloh unto us, that it may come among us, and save us out of the hand of our enemies." 1 Samuel 4:3 ASV
Podcast Discussion:
PREPARATORY QUESTION
- How is the state of my relationship with God?
God had sent a man of God to rebuke Eli the priest for the excesses of his sons (1 Sam 2:29). God was planning to slay the two sons of Eli—Hophni, and Phinehas—for their many sins, and for "... how that they lay with the women that did service at the door of the tent of meeting" (1 Sam 2:22). God plainly told Eli, "... this shall be the sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas: in one day they shall die both of them" (1 Sam 2:34).
Beloved, God always says what He means and He always means what He says.
War has broken out between the Philistines and Israel. The Philistines wanted the victory of this war badly; they wanted to be free. When the battle was joined (or engaged), Israel was beaten. How? What happened? It seemed that Israel was not interested in finding out why the Lord had left their side. Rather, they felt they could conjure God's presence to be in their midst by bringing the Ark of Covenant to their camp.
But an inquiry into the cause of a defeat is always key to the success of a second attempt.
The Ark of Covenant arrived in the camp of Israel, with the two sons of Eli accompanying it (1 Sam 4:4). Hope erupted in the camp, and so great was the shout of their hope that the earth vibrated and fear sprung in the heart of the enemy (1 Sam 4:5-6). But all was false hope. Beloved, the children of Israel were defeated mercilessly in their second attempt. Thirty thousand of their footmen were slain, and the ark (which ignited false hope) was captured. Further, the two sons of Eli were killed (1 Sam 4:10-11).
Beloved, let us not deceive ourselves lest we suffer, and it might seem as though God is not true. For instance, if God's word assures you that "... no weapon fashioned against you shall prosper," it truly suggests that the weapon that can destroy you does not exist.
However, if a weapon begins to prosper against you, it does not mean that the word of God is false, or the enemy is so powerful. It suggests that you are out of touch or out of alignment with the God who has given you such an assurance. Similarly, Israel was not in tune with her God and yet they felt they could force His hand to secure a victory. What did they do? Instead of going back to God and inquiring, and amending their ways with Him, they fell on the symbols, tokens, and the emblem of God. They fell on the ark. They must have said, "Once the ark is in our midst God will have no choice but to be with us."
But precious one, it is better to work out your relationship with God rather than do what you like and then put a Bible under your pillow for protection. It is better, O reader of today's devotional, to amend your crooked ways before God rather than giving Him offerings and sowing seeds.
We may gain hope out of symbols but it will be a false one because God is not an emblem. Beloved, if there is any reflection to do today, it is this: "How is my relationship with God these days? Am I in tune with the Most High?" Examine yourself, whether you are in the faith; prove your own self before God (2 Cor 13:5). Today, may God help you to see your own heart as you sincerely examine yourself. May you learn to trust God, paying attention to your relationship with Him.
Remain blessed.
FURTHER READING: 1 Samuel 4:1-11
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
- Am I in tune with God?
- How does God see me?
- Is God with me, and am I with God?
PRAYER
Precious Father, you know all things. Today, search my heart and reveal me to me. I receive your help to know what you, Lord, think of me, in Jesus' precious name. Hallelujah!
ONE-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Job 10, Micah 6, James 2
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