1 Samuel 4:4-5
4 So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim. And Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. 5 When the ark of the Lord’s covenant came into the camp, all Israel raised such a great shout that the ground shook. 6 Hearing the uproar, the Philistines asked, “What’s all this shouting in the Hebrew camp?”
Yesterday and on Sunday we thought about why this was a mistake – you can’t treat God as simply a commodity like this, to ‘push around’ and use to your own ends. As a minister, it concerns me that Eli’s sons not just let them take the Ark, but went along with them, promoting this false understanding. As God’s ‘priesthood’ today, our lives and actions communicate our faith today just as Hophni’s and Phinehas’ did then, let’s take care over what they say.
Father, I know my life will never truly portray yours. In your mercy, help me portray it as best I can through the help of your Spirit.
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