SUNDAY October 28, 2018
The Ark of the Covenant
So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from there the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the
ark of the covenant of God.
1 Samuel 4:4
Instead of listening to what God was trying to tell them, Israel believed the Ark of the Covenant was going to help them in the battle against the Philistines. Imagine, they had just become religious. They no longer had a personal relationship with the Lord; instead, they were trusting in religion. Israel should have turned to God and repented; they should have said, “We have done wrong.” They did not do that––sad.
Notice those who were given the responsibility of handling the things of God––the Ark of the Covenant. Eli’s wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas! They were in obvious sin––taking the sacrifices from the people, and lying sexually with the women in the tabernacle––and, yet, these evil men were involved in managing the holy things of God.
Think of how many people have become religious instead of having a personal relationship with God. They trust in their religious relics and do not trust in God. People need to focus on what God is trying to tell them through His Word so He can minister to them. Otherwise, they will find themselves in trouble. Find a quiet place to spend alone-time with God. As you humble yourself before God, laying aside your pride, pray about the areas you are struggling with in your life.
Those like the sons of Eli should never be in the ministry; it is dangerous. They will destroy the ministry. God is looking for humble men and women, those full of the Holy Spirit, having a good character, to serve in the ministry.
I am one of those who do not think that the beauty of holiness consists in beauty but rather in holiness, in that holiness which is God and which comes from God and in which alone there is strength to live
and work and pray.
~John R. De Witt~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
