August 24, 2015
1 Samuel 7
And the men of Kirjath-jearim came, and fetched up the Ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadabin the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the Ark of the LORD.
1 Samuel 7:1
LET IT GLOW
Is there a box hidden away in your attic? If so, it may hold mementos, keepsakes, or unwanted items which bring back painful memories. There is an unusual item in our attic. It is the wooden leg which my father wore after he lost his leg in France during WWII. Needless to say, I don't go up there, so I have never thrown it away or burned it up. I haven't thought about it in years until now. I wonder if his black sock and everyday shoe are still on the end of it. I don't think I want to know bad enough to check. I'll just leave it there so some day when I am gone, my children will find it and be reminded of the sacrifice their grandfather made so they could enjoy freedom in America.
So what is in your attic? Actually, I am referring to the small place in your mind where you keep the door closed, even locked. You don't open it because it exposes painful memories of times you want to erase or forget. Friend, open that door to Jesus so He can help you forgive whoever or whatever needs forgiving by you. Then He will exchange your pain for the peace of God.
The Israelites had a box stored away in a man's house, it was the Ark of God. Let's take a peek.
After the bubonic plague killed so many Philistines due to their capturing the Ark of God, they passed it around to 5 cities, possessing it 7 months. These were idol worshipers, and they had many gods who were false. Yet they knew about the One True Living God of Israel.
Finally, the Philistines returned the Ark to Israel, who made an offering upon receiving it. The men at Beth-Shemesh sent word to the inhabitants of the city of Kirjath-jearim, which was near the battlefield, to come down and fetch it. this was done for the safe keeping of the Ark. So they did. For 20 years the Ark remained in the house of Abinadab. His son, Eleazar, for practical purposes, is the priest ministering to it. They were probably Levites. (Keep in mind, the Philistines destroyed the Israelite city of Shiloh where they had kept the Ark before taking it into battle (4:1-18).
How long have we been going to the same church? Do we attend services there out of habit or do we go to sincerely worship God?
LET IT GROW
Evidently, during this 20 year period, Israel neglected God and chased after foreign gods. After those 20 years, Israel returned to the Lord. (MacArthur)
Falwell described this period as a slow national revival. Time and gradual restoration were required because of the deep moral depression prior to the death of Eli and the destruction of Shiloh.
Life Application Study Bible provides these insights:
Israel mourned, and sorrow gripped the nation for 20 years. The Ark was put away like an unwanted box in the attic, and it seemed as if the Lord had abandoned His people. Samuel, now a grown man, roused them to action by saying that if they were truly sorry, they should do something about it. How easy it is for us to complain about our problems, even to God, while we refuse to act, change, and do what He requires. We don't even take the advice He has already given us. Do you ever feel as if God has abandoned you? Check to see if there is anything He has already told you to do. You may not receive new guidance from God until you have acted on His previous directions.
Well, my husband says that we must go back and do the last thing God told us to do. They we will hear further instructions. What can I say?
LET IT GO
... of what ever is keeping me from total surrender and following God.
... of my wants and desires to do His will, His way.
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