10So the Philistines fought, and the Israelites were defeated and every man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great; Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers. 11The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.
12That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line and went to Shiloh with his clothes torn and dust on his head. 13When he arrived, there was Eli sitting on his chair by the side of the road, watching, because his heart feared for the ark of God. When the man entered the town and told what had happened, the whole town sent up a cry. (1 Samuel 4)
Thoughts: The Israelites tried to use the ark of the covenant like a talisman- a good luck charm. The leadership refused to discipline the sons of Eli who were stealing out of the offerings of the people of God and doing other wicked and immoral things. You cannot try to use religion as a good luck charm when you are not living in faithful ways. Instead of bringing good luck, the Israelites had a devastating defeat. Eli's sons were killed and Eli himself died upon hearing the news.
Today people still seek God's blessing while not trying to listen to God. We are not called simply to be blessed. We are called first of all to glorify God- whether we are blessed or not.
Prayer: Let me live for you, O Lord. Let me hear your voice.
Today people still seek God's blessing while not trying to listen to God. We are not called simply to be blessed. We are called first of all to glorify God- whether we are blessed or not.
Prayer: Let me live for you, O Lord. Let me hear your voice.
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