Overview of: 1 SamuelToday's Reading:
1Sam. 4:1 – 6:21
"The Ark is Captured and Returned"
Focus Verses: 1 Samuel 4:2-3
2 The Philistines deployed their forces to meet Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand of them on the battlefield. 3 When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, "Why did the LORD bring defeat upon us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the LORD's covenant from Shiloh, so that it may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies."
Insight:
After suffering defeat at the hands of the Philistines, the elders of Israel asked a good question: "Why did the Lord bring this upon us today?" The answer they came up with was not so good: "Maybe we should get the Ark of the covenant so that it may go with us and save us."
Instead of considering their own corruption and faithlessness, they assumed they had made some error in their method or ritual. Instead of directing their question to God and looking for an answer from him, they just asked each other and came up with their own ideas. Instead of trusting in God, they trusted in an object. They turned an object intended to help them worship God, into an idol that took the place of God.
Response and Action:
My hope is in the Lord. When facing difficulties and defeats, I will look to God for the guidance and strength I need. I do not want the things intended to point me to God to become things that take his place. Religion, spiritual disciplines, church gatherings, Christian service, Scripture, and Christian community are wonderful things that can help me know and honor God, BUT they can never take the place of God himself. I will make every effort to seek, know, and follow Jesus. I will put my hope in him alone.
O God, you are my God. I earnestly seek you. My soul yearns for you and my body longs for you. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Lead me away from temptation, deliver me from evil, and provide for my needs today. Protect me from discouragement, and encourage me by your Spirit through your word, your people, your promises, and all that is beautiful and true. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.
New Testament for Today: 1 Peter 5:6,7
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
In Context: 1 Peter 5:1-11
Proverb for Today: Prov. 17:3
"The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart."
Resources:
Breaking the Idols of Your Heart
by Dan Allender and Tremper Longman
