June 29, 2021 | I Samuel 4

Read 1 Samuel 4

Scripture– 1 Samuel 4:3- When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord bring defeat on us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the Lord’s covenant from Shiloh,so that he may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies.”

Observation- The Ark of the Covenant was a box that contained the ten commandments, Aaron’s staff, and a jar of manna. God told them that this was where he dwelt. Seeing that the Philistines had defeated them, the Israelites thought it would be a good idea to bring the Ark of the Covenant, God’s presence, out to the battlefield. They were treating God as a lucky rabbit foot as they manipulated him. 

Application-  Why do I want God? Who is he to me? Is he just my lucky rabbit foot that I use when I need him, or do I pursue him for who he is? My heart so often wants God only when I need him instead of pursuing a relationship with him. When times are tough, I turn to God. When times are good, I put him away. I don’t want it to be like that and neither does God. God has pursued a relationship with me to the fullest extent. He sent his one and only Son to live, die, and rise again. God is far greater than a lucky rabbit foot. He is my God, my Father, and my Savior. I want to pursue my relationship with him above all else. 

Prayer- Dear Father, thank you for loving me and pursuing a relationship with me. Forgive me for the times I use you like a lucky rabbit foot as I try to manipulate my circumstances. Let me pursue a relationship with you today knowing that you love me and have pursued me. You have won for me salvation. I want to pursue you for who you are, not what you can do. Amen.