Self-Gratification Or God Glorification?
Monday, August 26
1 Samuel 6:1-6 (NIV)
“When the ark of the LORD had been in Philistine territory seven months, the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners and said, “What shall we do with the ark of the LORD? Tell us how we should send it back to its place.” They answered, “If you return the ark of the god of Israel, do not send it back to him without a gift; by all means send a guilt offering to him. Then you will be healed, and you will know why his hand has not been lifted from you.” The Philistines asked, “What guilt offering should we send to him?” They replied, “Five gold tumors and five gold rats, according to the number of the Philistine rulers, because the same plague has struck both you and your rulers. Make models of the tumors and of the rats that are destroying the country, and give glory to Israel’s god. Perhaps he will lift his hand from you and your gods and your land. Why do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh did? When Israel’s god dealt harshly with them, did they not send the Israelites out so they could go on their way?”
Devotion
The Ark of the Lord had been captured and held for 7 months by the Philistines. God demonstrated His power to them bringing calamity upon them and they wanted to send back the ark. They were instructed by their priest and diviners to send it back with a sin offering having remembered that the Egyptians, and Pharaoh had hardened their hearts and that Israel’s God had dealt harshly with them. Still the Philistines were not sure if Israel’s God had brought the calamity upon them and they would test that later by sending the team of cows without someone to lead them.
Understand that the ark carried for Israel the following:
- Stone tablets (instructions for living)
- Aaron’s staff, which went from dead to alive and produced almonds (dead things to life)
- A golden pot of manna (God’s provision).
These blessings come with the presence of God in our lives. For a nation to harden its heart toward the true God results in the opposite of the blessings that God and His presence in our lives brings. Collapsed economy, death, disease, and confusion are what the Philistines were experiencing.
Being in the presence daily through prayer and worship of our Holy God and not living for self-gratification keeps us living in His blessings and His mercy. Are there areas in our lives that we have dulled our ears to the Holy Spirit’s instruction? Are we making choices that produce life in our bodies and are we speaking life into situations that we encounter? Are we looking to God to be our provider? Do we repent on our own behalf and on behalf of the Nation? Do we live for self-gratification or for God glorification?.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You that You speak to us through Scripture, through Your Holy Spirit, and through our pastors. Thank You for our pastors. I pray that You would make it clear to me if I am suffering disease or financial hardship due to a curse related to some sin. Have I cursed Israel? Have I taken something that is not mine? Have I profaned God by elevating some idol above the one true God? Until I repent and beg forgiveness, let me not take such sins lightly or try and sweep them under the rug. Bring me to a place of repentance and restitution so that my health and other blessings in Jesus may be restored. In the Name of Jesus, I Pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
The pagan people in today’s passage wondered if they were seeing something natural or supernatural. They kind of remembered the history of Moses and the Exodus. In a similar way, people are watching you. Let your first move be to go to Jesus and his Word. Find your strength in him when you feel defeated. Trust his wisdom when you need direction or provision. He is your peace. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus (Matthew 28:18). Acknowledge him in front of others as he guides you. Don’t leave them wondering whether your blessings are natural or supernatural.
Resources
- If you missed Yesterday’s message, “It’s Time To Stand Up (Part 3)”, be encouraged to watch and pursue the presence of God with all your heart.
- Read Hebrews 13:20-21 and claim what is yours through the blood of the everlasting covenant with Jesus.