http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%204-8&version=NIV
1 SAMUEL 4 - 8
As I read today’s passage, I am compelled by the sense of loss that the Israelites must have felt when the Ark of the Covenant was captured by their enemy. What a devastating blow! I would imagine that it was a similar feeling that the disciples felt when they saw Jesus captured by His enemies. How could this be God’s will?
And yet, it was God’s will for the Ark to be captured. Of course, this is unbeknownst to the children of Israel at the time. While they were in despair thinking that the Lord had abandoned them, the Lord was well at work letting the Philistines know who is God. It’s quite comedic how the Ark becomes a figurative “hot potato” which no Philistine city wants to take in! When the Ark returns triumphantly, there is great rejoicing, and Samuel is able to guide Israel away from their idols and back to the Lord.
There are times when we may feel that the Lord has abandoned us. During those times we must examine ourselves and see if, in fact, it is we who have abandoned God. If so, we must repent and return our lives to Him. Remember, if we have faith in Him and remain faithful to Him, we have much reason to hope. For as Paul says in Romans 8:28:
We know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Even when we cannot see God at work in our lives, trust me -- He is most definitely there.
Believe it!
Chad
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Funny how after 3,000 years nothing has changed. The presence of God is still a “hot potato”. Start talking about Jesus and we see real fast how people try to avoid the subject, run from the conversation or resist it altogether. For some people, the presence of God brings conviction while to us who are saved it brings great joy.
ReplyDeleteHow many of us have reacted like the Beth Shemeshites? We make bad choices, end up in a big ole mess and blame God. Rather than look inward at our own disobedience; rather than repent and ask for forgiveness for our disobedience; rather than make peace with our Lord; we turn our backs on Him and send Him away. I encourage you to look inside your own heart. Is there any remnant of anger or fear that needs to be brought before the Lord? This anger or fear can grow into disobedience and rebellion. Ask the Lord to reveal these areas and for Him to lead you down a path of healing and reconciliation.
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