1 Samuel 5:1-12
Verse 3 When the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! They took Dagon and put him back in his place.
All that God had told the boy Samuel had happened and now the Ark of the Lord was in the enemy’s hands. This piece of furniture from the Tabernacle held the mercy seat which is where God had told Moses He would meet with His people. For this reason the people of God would often carry the Ark into battle with them, as a symbol of God going to war with them.
Because God’s people hadn’t been faithful to Him, He had allowed the Ark to be captured during the battle. The people of Israel saw this as God being taken from them and the Philistines saw it as stealing the Israelites lucky charm. They were sure about the power of the box because the Israelites no longer had the chest and had lost the battle. The Philistines were happy with the victory and took their newly acquired sacred furniture piece to sit with their god Dagon.
What the Philistines could never have guessed was that they had just set up a great battle. After a night’s sleep they went to see their god only to find him face first on the ground in front of the Ark of the Lord as if it was worshiping the God of Israel. They got it up as soon as they could and situated it back where it belonged but the next day was a repeat, but this time it also had broken its head and hands off.
If the causing trouble with their god wasn’t enough, all of a sudden they started to notice a situation building regarding some kind of tumors. There was no doubt in their minds what needed to happen, this chest of the Israelites was causing problems. No longer wanting it the rulers they sent it to another place only to find that city having the same issues. The Philistines were done with it, they wanted it out of their territory and back with God’s people.
Though God’s people weren’t living to bring Him glory and causing others to fear the Lord, He still revealed a bit of His glory and power. The Israelites may not have been ready to see Him in His fullness but the Philistines wouldn’t soon forget the things they had witnessed. Too often we find ourselves missing out on who God is and His power. Sadly our world is suffering because they can’t see His power and they don’t see us knowing His power either.
Making It Personal
Are there battles in your life where you don’t represent God well? Where has God shown His power in your life? How can you represent God so others know His power?
Making It Personal Kids
Why is it important that people can see God’s power? Are there hard times in your life where you can see God’s power helping you through? How can you help others see His power?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for showing us Your power. Help us keep You at the center of our focus so that we never miss the things You do to reveal Yourself. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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