Review Of 1Samuel 6

– by Victor Fawole

Israel was defeated, but the God of Israel definitely was not. He permitted the Ark to be captured because of the idols in the hearts of the Israelites, and now the same Ark has brought destruction to the idols of the Philistines! God had dealt with His people; He went further to destroy His enemies and their god. It’s been a week filled with inspiration from God. Indeed, this FACEBOOK experience has been highly illuminating. Our Abba has loaded us with lessons and blessings. I welcome everyone to 1 Samuel Chapter 6, and join me as we review the chapter together…

WHAT SHALL WE DO WITH GOD?

1Sam. 6:1-2 And the ark of the Lord was in the country of the Philistines seven months. And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, What shall we do to the ark of the Lord? tell us wherewith we shall send it to his place.

The Philistines had suffered widespread “calamities upon calamities” and there was a need to call for a “State of Emergency”. They had hit rock bottom. Their “trophy” had become a “trouble”. The question on everyone’s lips was: “What shall we do to the ark of the Lord?” but trust me, the deep-seated question in their hearts was: “What shall we do with the Lord?” Attempting to burn the Ark with fire or throw it away would definitely lead to more wrathful displays from the God of Israel.

Every time we preach the gospel to the unsaved, they have a decision to make: _“What shall I do with Jesus?”_ When Puilate asked the Jews: “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” they responded, “Let him be crucified.” (Matt. 27:22) We preach the crucified and resurrected Christ, and everybody who hears the gospel must make a decision. Would they turn to Him in faith, or reject the gospel?

WHO IS ABLE TO STAND BEFORE THIS GOD?

1Sam. 6:20-21 And the men of Bethshemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God? and to whom shall he go up from us? And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjathjearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the Lord; come ye down, and fetch it up to you.

The Law has no patience for dishonour. The Ark of Covenant should only be touched and handled by appointed Levites. When the Philistines returned the Ark back to Israel, it landed at Beth Shemesh. Guess what these Israelites did first… they dishonoured the Ark! They sinned by not only touching the ark, but also looking into it without reverence. They looked into the ark of the Lord. They dishonoured the holiness of the mercy seat. The result? Seventy men died under the hand of God.

“Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God?” They acknowledged the perfect holiness of God, and they’d rather do everything to distance themselves from Him. Whenever the unregenerate man encounters the holiness of God, he is reminded of his utter depravity. (Luke 5:8) Just as Rabbi D.V. Akins would always say, “God’s holiness is a problem to man.”

As believers, we should always rejoice in the gift of righteousness that we received in Christ, by which we are able to stand before this holy Lord God! We received His holiness as new creations in Christ. Much more, we have an advocate before God (1 John 2:1). He has reconciled us to the Father through His blood (Rom. 5:10) and His grace has qualified us to stand before God.

Rom. 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein WE STAND, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Hallelujah!

Be glad, o Gogolights! Continue facing the Book, and continue to enjoy the revelation of Christ. Thank you for reading.

See you next time, beloveds.

Grace to you, Church!