" The glory has departed from Israel, for the Ark of God has been captured." (1 Samuel 4:22)
The very thought of the Ark of the Lord being stolen makes me tremble. As I read of the horrific chain of events, I thought of the specific guidelines the Lord gave concerning His dwelling place. He gave precise instructions on how to build it and how to transport it. The thieves were no respectors of the transportation guidelines. They only cared about taking the power of Israel from them.
The Captors were not only disrespectful in their transportation of the Ark but blasphemous with its placement. The Ark of the LORD was placed beside the god of agriculture and grain, Dagon. (The very image of makes me cringe.) They put the trophy of victory before their god and their god bowed as did every other false god. The Apostle Paul said to the Romans, "every knew will bow and every tongue will confess" I have to believe this applies to false gods.
My thoughts also went to the many times God himself said that He was a jealous God. He will not share His glory. When the Ark was captured the glory of the Lord was gone. Perhaps more tragic than the LORD's physical dwelling place being captured is the fact His glory departed from Israel.
We are God's are temple, His physical dwelling place. (1 Corinthains 6:19) He will not share His glory with another. We must guard His glory, protect and defend it from being captured by another. When the glory leaves, so does the power. In our world today, we can not afford to live a powerless life where the glory has departed.
Is your false god money, position, family, sleep, perfection or education, unfulfilled dreams or unmet expectations? Let's make a commitment to lay our false god(s) at the feet of the One and Only God and watch them bow.
The Captors were not only disrespectful in their transportation of the Ark but blasphemous with its placement. The Ark of the LORD was placed beside the god of agriculture and grain, Dagon. (The very image of makes me cringe.) They put the trophy of victory before their god and their god bowed as did every other false god. The Apostle Paul said to the Romans, "every knew will bow and every tongue will confess" I have to believe this applies to false gods.
My thoughts also went to the many times God himself said that He was a jealous God. He will not share His glory. When the Ark was captured the glory of the Lord was gone. Perhaps more tragic than the LORD's physical dwelling place being captured is the fact His glory departed from Israel.
We are God's are temple, His physical dwelling place. (1 Corinthains 6:19) He will not share His glory with another. We must guard His glory, protect and defend it from being captured by another. When the glory leaves, so does the power. In our world today, we can not afford to live a powerless life where the glory has departed.
Is your false god money, position, family, sleep, perfection or education, unfulfilled dreams or unmet expectations? Let's make a commitment to lay our false god(s) at the feet of the One and Only God and watch them bow.
17 Comments:
Near the end of today's reading the people were demanding a king. How tragic that they didn't realize they had the most powerful king already! But they said, "we want to be like the nations around us". Too often today we say that too. We turn our backs on the ONLY ONE worth desiring and worshipping, and we "want to be like those around us", desiring and worshipping the wrong gods.
On this Good Friday let's quiet our hearts and let our minds contemplate just what Jesus has done for us. He is the only King worth our worship. Let's not look like those around us anymore.
Morgen - MN
Wendy, as I read today's reading I thought so much of the study I did last year, "No other God's" by Kelly Minter. She so perfectly described both false and functioning gods. I'm surrendering all at His feet and asking Him to reveal to me god's I have accepted and cannot see. I love the title of your post today..."When the glory is gone". It so expresses the radiant, beauty of God that we miss when we're not following and obeying Him. I do not want His glory to depart from me, but shine for all to see.
I 'camped' on 1 Samuel 7:12 today. I'm raising my "Ebenezer", "stone of help", knowing that "Up to this point the LORD has helped us!". Trusting in His continued hand on my life and my concerns.
My mind drifts to another 'stone' today...the one that could not hold our Savior. Maybe there are others, like me today, who need a 'stone' removed from an area of your life. God is able. His resurrection power still moves stones! Hallelujah!!!
Standing on the Solid Rock,
Joy
I'm reminded of a Study I did on the Names of God. I happened to teach on the Name "Jehovah Shammah " the Lord who dwells" Ezekiel 10 records the Departure of the Glory of God from the temple, The ark isn't stolen here, God himself removes his Glory due to their idolatry as you read it there is such a picture of God just longing to stay, it's not a quick departure, he takes his time,
hoping one would turn back. Jehovah Shammah dwelt once more in the very body of Jesus Christ. He now dwells in our very hearts, and one DAY he will Dwell with us in the eternal temple Prophesied in Ezekiel 48:35
Jesus, the LORD who Dwelt with us, crucified, risen and COMING AGAIN.
A Blessed Easter to you all.
Susanj
Today's reading is sad and scary. How many times have we allowed Things and People to capture our God and take it out of our lives. How many times have we turned to other things and people for comfort, joy, peace and prosperity. I'm guilty. It lead me to Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Even more reason why it is so criical that we build ourselves up in God's word. I know personally that the more I read the more I want to be pleasing and the farther from this world I see myself. I feel like I don't belong, and you know what - I'm okay with that.
It's hard sometimes to read through so many wars and rules and laws, but it also helps me see the passion and feelings that God has. His emotions, anger, hurt and frustration. If we are made in his image, then why do we think He won't understand what we are going through. Why do we hesitate to go to Him for our answers. Is it because we feel He won't agree with us?
Today reminds me that I/we need to slow down and carefully think about the things I think I want in and for my life. Do I really want a King? Or do I want my God?
Thanks for reading,
Blessing to all of you - Have a wonder-filled Easter. He is alive!
Lynn - OR
Israel wanted a King; John Piper's recent book "Spectacular Sins and Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ" devotes a chapter to this very spectacular sin. If you haven't had a chance to read this book, I highly recommend it! In it Piper lays out a clear path that highlights how God works through the "spectacular sins" of the world for His glory.
In Chapter 7, when Israel wanted a king, Piper says;
“Nevertheless, if Israel had had no kingship, Jesus Christ would not have come as the king of Israel and the Son of David and King of kings. But Christ’s kingship over Israel and over the world is not an afterthought in the mind of God. It was not an unplanned response to the sin of Israel. It was part of his plan.”
The Messiah is a Priest-king from the Order of Melchizedek, and the lineage of David. He was foretold in Hannah's prayer in Chapter 2 of 1 Samuel “The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; against them he will thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to His King and exalt the power of His Anointed.” With no King in Israel, there would be no Priest King Messiah to take our sins upon Him, even unto death, and rise again as victor and King over all.
So Israel asking for a King was part of God's plan all along. He didn't change His plan in response to their request; He enacted His plan for His glory. Through this circle of kingship (God as King, man as king, God as King through our savior Jesus Christ) God lets us know that only God can be King over us. His is the Kingdom, and His is the Power, and His is the GLORY forever and ever.
Amen
Peace be with you all! Have a remarkable Good Friday and Easter!
Karen, CA
Our God spoke with a might voice of thunder (1Samuel 7:10) on Israel's behalf and then (my interpretation) a voice of sadness and resignation "give them a king" in 1Samuel 8:22.
How wretched are we?
I attended a very powerful Maundy Thursday ceremony last night...at the end of the service, the entire sanctuary was plunged into darkness and silence. What would our world be like without the light? Just like that...our Lord & Savior crucified, our Accuser taunting us and claiming us as his own.
I go back to Hannah's song:
Stop acting so proud & haughty! Don't speak with such arrogance! For the Lord is a God who knows what you have done;he will judge your actions. 1Samuel 2:3
Today I am bowed low before our King, the LORD our God, who created and saved us with his deep and abiding love. While we are still sinners, he gives us victory and authority over the evil one...not because we in any way deserve it, just because he loves us.
Reflecting of the enormity of it all,
Liz
Alaska
Hello, Dear Girlfriends,
So much to ponder about in today's reading...those Israelites...they kept turning away from God and not letting the Lord be in control. They reject God because their "gods" seem more appealing at the moment. How do they forget the "peace?" Even when this last Judge (Samuel)of Israel warns them! What do they say, "We want to be like the nations around us." How easy it is for us to see them making wrong choices...but, when it comes to ourselves...it's not always so easy to see the "gods" we are worshipping. The "gods" that we think satisfy our needs...
May the verse Wendy pointed out become so alive and active in my own life. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirt, who is in you, who you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
Our God is jealous and desires us to follow him with all of our heart. What an honor it is to have the Holy Spirit living in us. What a gift we have. Oh, I don't want to take advantage of this gift. I want so badly to whole-heartily obey and follow God. Not to seek out worldly gains...but to seek Him.
Daily reading his Word...thinking about his word throughtout my day and walking with him...keeping him in my thougths...I desire each day to have a stronger relationship with him...to know him more and more through his Word. To be snuggled up next to him, close enough to hear his every word!
The joy that gives me knowing that he is with me all day long today.
I'm so thankful to be studying God's Word with each one of you! Daily, you bless my socks right off! Thank you for your prayers and I'm praying for each one of you too! I love you all dearly.
May each one of you have a blessed Easter weekend enjoying the presence of God in each moment!
Blessings!
Lori - Mesa, AZ
I Samuel 7:12Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.
As a single mother as I watched my two girls graduate from UNC-Chapel 07 and NC State 08, I can say with Isarel, God gave me an "Ebenezer Blessing". Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. Many thought it was impossible, but God! I always remember the blessing is in the past tense, because the victory is already won, we must believe and receive.
As godly as Samuel was his sons still did not follow in his footsteps. We can offer our children to God as infants, but it comes a time when we can only pray for them to surrender their own lives to God. God was the perfect parent, and his first son Adam disobeyed him.
Father, help us to rear our children in the fear of God and those of us we are parenting adult children, help us to trust you to stir the Word of God in their hearts so they will totally committ their lives to you.
Have blessed Resurrection weekend!
Debbie - North Carolina
So much to think about in today's reading, and everyone's comments. Thank you all of you that faithfully post every day. I look forward to Wendy's commentary and all of your musings.
I have a prayer request. I play the piano for our little church. My hands are being taken over with arthritis. The little finger on my right hand looks looks a hammer toe. I want so much to play "The Holy City" as a special. The pastor is going to read several verses from Rev. 21...And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem descending out of heaven from God all arrayed like a bride beautiful and adorned for her husband....plus a couple more.
Please ask the Holy Spirit to anoint my hands so that I can play to glorify Him this Easter. It is getting harder and harder for me to play, and only by His grace can I keep doing it. Thank you all in advance for your prayers.
Jan TN
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to say thank you so much for your prayers yesterday, I am feeling more light of heart today. I was so angry last night that I was sorely tempted not to attend the Holy Thursday mass I had planned to go to. I know it's with your help I got there and thank God I did.
Our priest had a small sermon about a man shipwrecked. He prayed to be rescued. Days and weeks went by but no rescue. So the man began to build a hut and a life for himself on the island. One day while he is out fishing - he sees smoke and finds his hut on fire. It totally burned to the ground. In anguish he cries out to God and curses God "why are you doing this to me?" He falls asleep on the beach in bitter anguish. He awakens the next morning to find a ship waiting for him. When he asks how they found him - they said they saw the smoke from the fire.
How many of my prayers have I seen as diasters/failures like the fire, only to see later that they are the answers I needed most. Lord, forgive my impatience, doubt and anger. Help me to see that my plans are not Your plans. That You have the perfect plans if I would only have the faith to wait on You.
Thank you for your words of encouragement dear sisters. Wishing you all a happy and holy Easter.
Jodie
All your postings today lift me up and bring glory to God!
I so love Ecclesiastes 4 9&10, 12: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his/her friend can help him/her up. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Dear sisters in Christ, God is the strand that binds us together through our Lord n Savior Jesus Christ. So thankful this day for;
"God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life".
Have you ever tried personalizing a scripture by putting "me", "I" or "your name" in place of the world or us or we. If you haven't try it. It can be powerful...God is speaking personally to me and can be internalized in such a powerful and meaningful way.
Dear Heavenly Father, Help us to put aside our worries, our circumstances or any selfish thoughts or deeds. It's not about me but about thee. We thank you. praise you, and glorify you for your gift of Salvation. May many eyes and hearts of those we love be opened through the power of the cross as we celebrate Easter...new life we receive through your son Jesus Christ! Amen
A blessed Easter to all!
Love from Debbie in Illinois
I was just in the shower and thinking about and praying the prayer I just shared with you all. When I had a God Moment thought that said. Do not just put your worries, circumstances, fears, anxieties, wants and needs aside. But place them at the foot of the cross. Cast all them upon me instead.
Matthew 11:9 reads and Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened , and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
And
Phillipians 4:4-9 reads, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say again: REJOICE! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanks-giving, present your requests to God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers (and sisters), whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admiraable-if anything is excellent of praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Help us oh Lord to do just that. For we know when our eyes and hearts are focused on you there is hope and we can keep walking with you trusting whole heartedly in you and your ways. Amen
Love from Debbie in Illinois
I am so blessed by the wisdom of all of you beautiful women. It has been a day of GRATITUDE, feeling humbled by what our Savior did for us on the Cross and searching my heart and seeing how much change needs to happen in my life. I then am humbled again by what an AWESOME God we have, he loves us in spite of all our faults.
Jan I will pray for your hands to be strong to Glorify our Lord through your playing.
Everyone have a Blessed Easter
Debra Tx
There were tornadoes here in TN today, terrible devastation...my daughter was in the place of the huge tornado 30 minutes before it touched down. When it happened,she and her husband and baby were in the bathroom for safety.
Thank you Lord for your protection.
Please pray for those who lost their homes, there are so many. One young mom and her 9 week old baby were killed.
Jan TN
Wendy thank you so much for the thoughts of "what are your false gods?" I have always been drawn to your blog because of the title. I too am a self-confess recovering shop-a-holic. I still fight it and don't always win, I love clothes WAY too much! But I have grown enough and gotten close enough to Jesus that I no longer get my identity from what I am wearing and the way I look. When I was in my darkest and deepest pit in my 20s shopping was my escape. I worked right beside a mall and it made it too easy to feed my addiction so I could have that moment of escape from all that was going on inside. It was a god to me. I have been on a journey with God to periodically go on spending fasts. I admit that I have never made it through a whole one. I always end up with an excuse of something I have to had or need. It is a real battle in my life. Today you have challenged me to finally lay this down. To stay off the Internet websites and lay it all at Jesus' feet. I KNOW there is so much breakthrough waiting on the other side of just saying no and fighting the urge for things I think I need. The last thing I want in my life is for God's glory to depart, I don't think I could make it a second without His presence and strength. One of my favorite verses that I have been studying for a month or so is Romans 6:21, "What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!" I read this in a devotional and it struck me in such a profound way. I need to live everyday making decisions that don't produce regret in my life. How long did I live in shame because of the choices that I made. Whether it be from shopping, not eating or exercising to take care of my temple, or holding grudges and resentment in my heart. I look back 10 years ago and wish I had known this verse then when I made mistake after mistake! Those choices did result in death in my life! God's ways work and the world's do not! Thank you Wendy for this post and making me think today about my own gods that it is time to finally, totally lay down!
I am also in TN like Jan and our area has been hit pretty hard by bad weather today. Our community is about an hour from the hardest hit, but we did have storm damage to houses and things all around us. As Jan said, please pray for those here that have suffered damage and loss of family members.
Hope all you ladies have a marvelous Easter. I will be busy cleaning house and cooking getting ready for family on Sunday. John is going to come to church with us- PTL and see me participate in our "Cardboard Testimony" drama. I have been praying for him all week!
Love to you all~
Brandee
PS my appointment with VAndy went pretty well yesterday. Still no definite answers, but one step closer and they are committed to working with me to get to the bottom of the struggle. They think it is pretty much environmental and an inflammation problem in my sinuses and nose. Two nasal sprays, an antibiotic and steroid later, we will see how I am in a month or so.
Jan and Brandee,
Thank you for letting us know about the storms and devestation in TN. Your area is in my prayers.
Jan, I have prayed that God will give flexibility to your fingers so you can play your hymns of praise and glorify Him this weekend!
Have a blessed Easter!
karen, ca
Brandee
Thanks for sharing the Romans verse. I love it!
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