Today's Readings - 1 Samuel 5-6, Luke 15:1–10, Psalm 50:18–23, Proverbs 11:17-18
Devotional
It was a time of tragedy and sadness in Israel, but it is a glorious, even hilarious story - one of those grand moments in Scripture in which Yahweh's superiority is clearly demonstrated. Unless, of course, you are a Philistine - then you won't like this story at all.
Yesterday's reading was tragic as the glory departed from Israel. Not only did Eli and his sons die, but the worst thing imaginable happened. The Ark of God fell into the hands of the enemy. That magic talisman that sinful Israel thought would guarantee them victory could not stay the hand of judgment. They tried to use God for their purposes instead of repenting of their sin and humbling themselves before him. They found that we do not get to dictate the terms of God's work among us. He does that. When Israel refused to come to God on his terms he refused to work for them on their terms.
But in 1 Samuel 5 God made it abundantly clear that the defeat of Israel was not a sign of weakness in Israel's God. He was the one true God, maker of heaven and earth and still its sovereign ruler. The Philistines may have defeated unfaithful, sinful, rebellious Israel, but that was only because their God withdrew his hand of protection and blessing on his rebellious servants. Dagon, the god of the Philistines was in no way superior or stronger than Yahweh.
And God made sure everyone knew that - in the clearest way possible.
The Philistines paraded the Ark into Dagon's temple in Ashdod as an act of triumph, glorying in this great victory and the defeat of Israel. Stories of Yahweh's might power were everywhere, but now they could revel in their god's triumph. They laid the Ark before Dagon as a tribute and as a symbol of the defeat of Yahweh.
Never disrespect the Living God of heaven. Just don't do it. There's no profit in it. When the Philistines returned to the temple the next morning, they found a horrifying site. Their idol was bowing down before the Ark of God. They set things right but the next day the same thing had happened. Again Dagon bowed before the Ark, but this time the damage was irreparable - his hands and feet had fallen off.
Things got worse from there. Much worse. A mysterious illness (a wide range of horrific diseases have been suggested as the proper translation here) broke out in Ashdod. These folks had enough of "reveling" in Dagon's victory over Yahweh and they sent the Ark to Gath to let them share in the blessing. The same mysterious disease broke out there. Gath tried to "bless" Ekron, but those people were having none of it.
So, they called a confab of the Philistine elders to discuss what to do. They sent the Ark on its way, even sending some golden offerings with it. Sure enough, the dumb animals headed right back toward Israel to deliver the Ark back to its proper home. While Israel didn't seem to realize who their God was, the Philistines were convinced that they wanted no part of the God of Israel. They messed with Yahweh and they lost!
Israel was defeated because of their sin, not because God lacked power. We see little of the display of God's power today, but that is not because the arm of the Lord has grown short, it is because the people of God have too often failed to walk in obedience and faith. The power of the Cross has not lessened, but too often we fail to look to Calvary.
Father, your power is real and great. May I experience that power as I walk in humility, repentance and faith.
Think and Pray
Do you walk in the fear of the Lord - showing proper respect by obedience and submission?
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