Today’s reading: 1 Samuel 5:1-12
After the Philistines capture the ark of the covenant and place it in their temple to Dagon, they immediately begin to experience and learn that the God of Israel is more powerful than their man-made god. Then in fairly short order, the people at large experience the power and control of God first-hand, through the infliction of tumors on those residing wherever the ark was moved–clearly a display of God’s power, might and control. Yet, rather than responding by recognizing God as the only true God who is sovereign over all, the Philistines’ response is one of fearful rejection (“‘Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it return to its own place, that it may not kill us and our people.'” [vs.11]).
What did you learn about God from the Philistines’ encounter with the ark of the covenant? What does this chapter show us about how we can perceive God and the things taking place around us? How will this help you talk with people about who God is and the things happening in the world? Tami
Source: Tami’s Blog
