Our scripture this morning is 1 Samuel 4:11 (ESV).
And the ark of God was captured, and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died.
Israel continues the sad cycle of self confidence and disobedience toward the Lord. In a fierce battle, they attempt to use the ark as a motivator for their troops and a weapon against the Philistines. This wasn’t what God called them to do. In a very real sense the ark had become an idol to them, a symbol of God’s power that they could wield as they wished. We know God doesn’t work that way and the Israelites are defeated. The ark is captured and in the fight Eli the priest loses two sons. The ark is nothing without God’s presence. God has never deserted His people, but we must learn that our disobedience comes with consequences.
Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times we trust our own intellect and strength instead of Your everlasting love. Forgive us, refresh us, and send us to share the Good News with all Your children. Amen.
