I was studying this morning the book of 1st Samuel and wow was the Holy Spirit speaking! I am always amazed at how alive and relevant the scriptures become when we allow the Holy Spirit to speak through them.
In the beginning of 1st Samuel we are introduced to Hannah, Samuel and the sons of Eli. The story of Hannah is such an encouragement for us to never give up in prayer and seeking the Lord for the desires of our heart, The introduction of Samuel's life gives hope that God always has a plan for our deliverance, but its the story of Eli's sons that jumped at me this morning. These two boys lived a 'hellious' lifestyle. Sleeping with women that were submitted to temple service, stealing the choice parts of the offerings that were supposed to be offered to God and threatening those that came to the temple to worship. They were the ultimate representation of rebellion! Though their position in life afforded them opportunity to the best that God had to offer ( His presence, His word, His provision)...they refused to receive it according to God's will for their lives.
By the 4th chapter of Samuel Israel is engaged in a fight against the Philistines and attempting to win without appropriating the presence of God in the midst of their battle. Of course- they lose. It isn't until after this loss that they recognize that something was missing. The Ark- the power of God's presence with them, the very thing that represented God's desire to be with them was not with them at all. [How many times do we engage in a conflict or circumstance or difficult conversation without first appropriating and submitting to the presence and word of God concerning the matter?] So, they send out for the ark and have it brought into the camp. The people are ecstatic, they send out a great shout because now they feel they have what they need to defeat the enemy. Here is where the story takes a turn, they are still responding to what The Ark represents more so than WHO it represents. But the Philistines (their enemies) know better. They realize that not just a symbol of victory has entered the Israelite camp- but the same God that destroyed the Egyptians on their behalf...and they begin to respond not to the presence of the Ark...but to the power of who it represents. They take on a more aggressive strategy and eventually steal the ark from the Israelites and kill the two sons of Eli.
What a powerful parallel this story brings to our present day experience. Could it be that there are instances when the enemy of our souls understands the power that lives in us even more than we do? And could it be that the magnitude of attack/ hardship/ difficulty we experience at times in this life have more to do with his efforts to steal the power of "God with us" from us? We cant' afford to be like Hophni and Phinehas and pursue a lifestyle that ignores the power of God, and refuses to cultivate and appropriate the presence of God- not if we desire true victory.
Eli and his sons perished, not because the Philistines outsmarted the Israelite military strategy, but because long before the battle- they forfeited their privilege of living in God's presence.
Be determined to respond fully to the power of God's presence in your life. Be determined to let the word of God keep your heart from rebellion and defeat! Embrace the gift that God has given us through Jesus Christ and that is according to....
Luke 10:19- power over every evil work
John 10:10- life abundantly
John 14:6- truth
Luke 4:18- deliverance and freedom from oppression
And the list could go on.
Blessings and Grace until next time....
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