“And Samuel’s word came to all Israel. Now the Israelites went out to fight against the Philistines. The Israelites camped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines at Aphek. 2 The Philistines deployed their forces to meet Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand of them on the battlefield. 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.” 1 Samuel 4.1-3
It was known that the Ark of the Covenant not only contained the Ten Commandments of Moses but also the presence of the Lord. It was where He dwelled on earth. Therefore, why would you not have it with you at every turn? If you were a people of God, seeking God, loving God, why would you not bring the Ark along too?
But they didn’t, and they lost 4,000 men. Later in this chapter, when they do bring the Ark alongside—probably with impure motives—they lose again. It makes me think that it’s not so much about bringing a representation of God’s presence along as it is about having God’s presence itself!
God is not a tool to be used; He is a God to be worshipped. We cannot bring God out only when we need Him; we should always worship, love, and adore Him.
Do you remember when 9/11 happened? People were filling the pews. Churches were packed to overflowing because of our desperate need for help, answers, and hope. But even after just a year, church attendance was declining again, and our nation, like the nation of Israel, was once again forgetting God.
The Israelites lost in battle that day not because the Ark wasn’t with them but because they had forgotten the Lord. This is a pattern we see repeated over and over again in Scripture. But let it not be true of our lives. Do not forget God! Don’t come to summer camp, for example, love Jesus, then leave and leave Him at camp! Worship, love, and adore the Lord, and He will be with you always.
“O Lord God, you are good. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for saving your people and for your patience even when we forget to praise you. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill us with your love and grace. Help us to be willing and able to love and serve you. For you are good and your love endures forever. Amen”