“As soon as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel gave a mighty shout, so that the earth resounded.”
1 Samuel 4:5
April 10, 2025
Israel was to have been a witness nation to her pagan neighbors. They had a record of defeating the Philistines in battle. But not this time. Israel thought that having the ark of the covenant in their midst would give them victory over their enemies. Wrong! They resorted to the bad theology of the Canaanites who trusted in totems, “sacred” objects for victory in battle. Israel failed in a time of crisis by resorting to emotional superstition. They trusted in things (sacred things) to help. Misplaced confidence will not help in times of trouble, thinking that being a member of a church, wearing a cross around one’s neck, baptism, ashes on the forehead, or having a Bible on a table can make it all better. There is the danger of substituting rituals for spiritual reality. The ark was not a good-luck charm for Israel. God cannot be manipulated by human techniques or schemes. Overcoming evil must be sought God’s way not man’s way. Victory over sin comes by faith and obedience to God.
H
“O Lord God, keep my mind right about you and how to live in a fallen world. I know that the battle is yours. You are the living God and do not live in a box or in a ritual.”