God Speaks
The Ark of the LORD: It’s Capture, It’s Return and the Aftermath
Verse of the Day: [This is what I pray will happen in my family, community, nation and world in the days and years ahead. Please join me.] “Then all the people turned back to the LORD.” (1 Samuel 7:2b NIV 2011) [I Samuel 7: 3-9 reports how Samuel addressed this issue.]
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Reflection
Consider the following questions regarding 1 Samuel 4-8
> 1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
> 2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
1 Samuel 4
1. God’s presence was represented by the ark of the covenant in the Old Testament and the godly lives of believers in the New Testament and present times.
2. People will suffer losses, as the Israelites did, if they disregard the LORD’s presence and precepts.
1 Samuel 5
1. The LORD God will not tolerate the presence of other “gods”, He is above all!
2. Even unbelievers recognize the strong presence of the LORD God.
1 Samuel 6
1. God has prescribed the way He is to be honored and His possessions are to be treated.
2. People should ask God in prayer and study the Bible to learn how to properly honor the LORD and treat His possessions.
1 Samuel 7
1. God rescues and restores people who repent and turn back to the LORD and His ways.
2. People need to repent and confess that they have sinned.
1 Samuel 8
1. It is ultimately the LORD God who chooses by whom we will be governed.
2. People generally look to human leaders rather than God to guide and protect them, often in rebellion against Him and His ways.
Prayer
> 3. How might I pray regarding 1 Samuel 4-8?
Thank You, LORD God, that You instructed the Israelites that Your presence would be represented by the ark of the covenant. Then when Jesus, God the Son, came to earth, He revealed and represented You. Now the Holy Spirit has come to enable believers in Christ to live godly lives and represent You well. People who disregard or disrespect Your presence and precepts will suffer losses. LORD God, You do not tolerate rebellion or the presence of other “gods.” You are above all! At times, even some unbelievers recognize Your strong presence, O LORD. You, Father God, have prescribed the way You are to be honored and how Your possessions are to be treated. Jesus not only modeled how we should live on the earth, but He died on the cross and took away our sins so that we could live in Your presence for eternity. We ask, Holy Spirit, guide us in prayer. And, as we study the Bible, teach us how to properly honor the LORD and how to treat His possessions. LORD God, rescue and restore people who repent and turn back to You and Your ways. Holy Spirit, draw multitudes around the world to repent and confess that they have sinned. Then they can be forgiven and be able to forgive others. Ultimately, it is, You, LORD God, who chooses by whom we will be governed, but help us each to be good citizens and to work to be and/or have godly human leaders. God, guide and protect us from the effects of rebellion against You and Your ways. May increasing numbers of people live lives that bring You glory, LORD. AMEN
Action (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
> 4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to 1 Samuel 4-8?
With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
I will ask the LORD to show me how I should properly respect Him, then do it.
I will commit myself to the LORD and serve Him only.
I will work to see that people who will support godly principles are elected to office.
I will declare that Jesus is my King.
Share
I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.