First Samuel chapters 4-6 tell the story of the Ark of God getting passed around from group to group all in an attempt to use God for their personal benefit. First, Israel brings the Ark out for a battle against the Philistines. They lose because of their wickedness and the ark is stolen. The Philistines value the ark. They at first place the ark in their pagan temple, but God destroys their idol. So they begin to pass the ark through a series of 5 cities. They didn’t want to just send it back, apparently believing it had power. But God kept bringing plagues on the city that had the ark involving mice and tumors. So they would soon pass the ark on to get rid of the plagues. After much ado they send it back to Israel.
As I read and taught this story in our Bible class, it occurred to me that these ancient people were only about trying to use God for their own blessings. Even when God brought tribulations upon them, they did not turn to him, they just wanted to get the ark gone so they could go back to their normal lives. Isn’t that how it is today with many people? They are focused on what they can get from God. They desire to turn to him when they need him, often only in an attempt to get deliverance or relief from their pinch. Man is in no position to use and manipulate God! Man is the created who need a Savior!. Our job is to serve and honor Him.
The question for each of us today: Am I serving God for who He is, or for what I can get from Him?
1 comment
Good question to ask. What are our real motives?