1 Sam 4

1 Samuel 4

"And when the people had come to the camp, the elders of Israel said, Why has Jehovah beaten us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of Jehovah out of Shiloh to us, so that when it comes among us it may save us out of the hand of our enemies."

The Ark of the Covenant has quite a story behind it. The Lord designs it and it is given to Israel to carry the Ten Commandments, the Manna from Heaven, and Aaron's rod which had blossomed. The Ten Commandments signifies the La of the Lord. It shows us God's guidelines between right and wrong. The Manna represented God's provision of how he would always take care of Israel. Finally, the rod shows us of God's sovereignty, how he had chosen Aaron to be leader of Israel through His sovereign nature. This was a complete picture of the Lord! Here is His law, which we fall short of. His Manna, which is Jesus whom He has given to us for salvation. Last His sovereign will for our lives.

Naturally Israel saw this item as the greatest symbol of God's glory that they had. They thought it out to be like a magic trick. If they pulled out "God's Box" then they will be okay. God must love "His box." It is "His box." He would not let "His Box" fall into enemy hands, he kept stuff in there. Well, this reasoning was incorrect. Israel had been living a life of sin. They did not know the Word of God and therefore did not know the Lord. God did not love "His Box," God loved Israel. In fact, all three things in the ark represented God's love for them and His involvement in their lives.

I feel like we can get like Israel. We start labeling things as things God loves rather than just recognizing that God wants us. Ever wanted something badly from the Lord? Ever earnestly ask Him something in prayer. During days like that I try to be extra good. I think that my works will somehow merrit God's favor. Hmm think again. There is nothing in this world that is more important to Jesus than us. He came to die for us, not for a building. He came to save us, not a method. He is incredibly in love with us, not His Box, whatever this may be. Gang, check your hearts. Make sure you are living for Jesus for no other reason but to live for Jesus. Do not try to use Jesus as a means to get something. Do not fight against Jesus like He is this Almighty killjoy who keeps on getting in the way of your fun. Simply live for Him and allow Him to take care of the rest.