This week we are going to be witnessing when Israel loses the Ark to the Philistines. This is perhaps one of the most embarrassing moments there has ever been for Israel.
In order for us to take in all of this, there is a lot of reading that you need to do…
To see how we got here, start reading I Samuel Chapter 1.
Ponder this: Here we see the origin of Samuel. The Priest Eli is already advanced in age. There is a power struggle between 2 wives. Eli misjudges Hannah.
Pray this: Lord, we can see that people aren’t perfect. Far from it. Help us to be more receptive to those around us who are in need of comfort and allow us to assist in providing it.
Next, read I Samuel Chapter 2.
Ponder this: Hannah prays a very significant prayer that is referenced by Mary, the mother of Jesus, well over a millennia later. We learn that the sons of Eli, the two acting priests, are corrupt. They were downright scoundrels. So much so, there was a prophecy brought against them.
Pray this: Lord, the history of Your people is complicated and racked full of sin and wickedness and at the same time grace abounds. Help us to live in this already but not yet world, where there is still sin that entangles, yet there is also grace that frees.
Then, read I Samuel Chapter 3.
Ponder this: Nothing stops the Lord almighty and the accomplishment of His will. Samuel was open to hearing from the LORD. Eli seems to be missing the point.
Pray this: May we have open ears to hear Your voice when You call us. May we not be confused by all of the other voices there are to hear.
With that context firmly in mind, we are ready for I Samuel Chapter 4.
Finally, Pray this:
God, please show me the areas in my life where I treat You like a rabbit’s foot and not my Lord. Please expel those things from my life and take Your rightful place. I believe that You are who You say that You are, and that You will do what You will say You will do. May it be so now and forevermore. Amen.
See you Sunday.
By Dan Bender