I Samuel 5
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I Samuel 5:10-12, So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. As the ark of God was entering Ekron, the people of Ekron cried out, “They have brought the ark of the god of Israel around to us to kill us and our people.” So they called together all the rulers of the Philistines and said, “Send the ark of the god of Israel away; let it go back to its own place, or it[c] will kill us and our people.” For death had filled the city with panic; God’s hand was very heavy on it. Those who did not die were afflicted with tumors, and the outcry of the city went up to heaven.
Well, it looks like the Philistines are sorry they took the Ark of the Covenant.
After defeating the Israelites in battle, the Philistines are more than happy to take the Ark and simply add another god to the mix of deities they worshipped. At first, they put the Ark next to one of their pagan gods, Dagon, in the town of Ashdod. The next day, Dagon was found on the ground, prostrate. After putting this idol back upright, they then find it back on the ground, decapitated and with its hands cut off. But God wasn't done, as he inflicted the people of the town with a plague of horrible tumors. In response, the Ark is moved, first to Gath and then to Ekron. In each place, people begin dying or being inflicted with tumors. Eventually, they decide that the Ark of the Covenant needs to go back to where it belongs.
What's interesting to me is that the Philistine people knew that the incident with Dagan, the tumors, and the deaths were all related to the presence of the God of Israel. They recognized the power of God but they didn't turn to God. They saw what God could do but they still didn't turn away from their idols and worship him.
How often do people see the power of God in their lives and yet not respond in any meaningful way? Yes, I think this happens today as well. I'm thinking of people I know who get terribly ill or are in a horrific accident, ask for prayers, and then are miraculously healed. They see the power of God at work in their life! While there may be some initial thankfulness and turning toward God, it eventually fades and they go on with life as normal.
May we recognize the power of the one and only God in our midst and turn toward him. God help us.
Let's pray...Lord Jesus, You are all powerful. You can do all things. Help us see you at work and recognize your power. Help us be totally and completely devoted to you in all we do. More of you and less of me. In Your Name, Amen.