The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Samuel 4:3,
"Why did the Lord bring defeat on us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the Lord's covenant from Shiloh, so that he may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies."
The Israelites acknowledged they were routed by the Philistines because the Lord was against them. Yet, here they are, scheming as to how they might use the things of God to bring them success. They sent for the ark of the covenant from Shiloh to use, in hopes it might bring them success. Rather than appealing to the heart of God, seeking what he wanted, looking to him, the Israelites grabbed for whatever might bring them a victory in what they wanted.
Taking the ark of the covenant into battle with them was an effort at "by all means necessary" as opposed to trusting in God for direction and victory. It proved to be of no avail as the the Israelites were defeated once again, Eli's sons were killed, and the ark was taken by the Philistines. We are told, "The slaughter was very great; Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers. The ark of God was captured, and Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died." Verses 10b-11.
It seems there have always been those who, rather than seeking God's heart in a matter, attempt to use the things of God in efforts to gain what they desire. I can think of many examples of this today... and I bet you can as well. In the end, it did not work out well for the Israelites. I'll bet folks today, who engage in such things, find a similar outcome when it is all said and done.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
"Why did the Lord bring defeat on us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the Lord's covenant from Shiloh, so that he may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies."
The Israelites acknowledged they were routed by the Philistines because the Lord was against them. Yet, here they are, scheming as to how they might use the things of God to bring them success. They sent for the ark of the covenant from Shiloh to use, in hopes it might bring them success. Rather than appealing to the heart of God, seeking what he wanted, looking to him, the Israelites grabbed for whatever might bring them a victory in what they wanted.
Taking the ark of the covenant into battle with them was an effort at "by all means necessary" as opposed to trusting in God for direction and victory. It proved to be of no avail as the the Israelites were defeated once again, Eli's sons were killed, and the ark was taken by the Philistines. We are told, "The slaughter was very great; Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers. The ark of God was captured, and Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died." Verses 10b-11.
It seems there have always been those who, rather than seeking God's heart in a matter, attempt to use the things of God in efforts to gain what they desire. I can think of many examples of this today... and I bet you can as well. In the end, it did not work out well for the Israelites. I'll bet folks today, who engage in such things, find a similar outcome when it is all said and done.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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