9th December 2024
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
Theme: GOD'S HEAVY HAND
THEME SCRIPTURE: "So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there." 1 Samuel 5:11 KJV
Podcast Discussion:
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS
- Is there a situation in your life that your strength is unable to subdue?
- Have you invited God into such a situation, trusting Him to come through for you?
- Have you desecrated or spoken ill about God and the things of God?
In every important war, returning home with trophies of war signifies a lot of things for the victor. These trophies serve as a reference point in history regarding the victory. Sometimes, these trophies are dedicated to the gods. Hence, the Philistines, having secured victory over Israel, returned home with an important trophy—the Ark of the Covenant. These Philistines did not know the sacredness of this ark. However, they knew it was so important to the Israelites. "It must be the physical representation of their God," they must have thought.
They must have further reasoned, "If Israel's God could not secure them victory, then the god of the Philistines is more powerful." They did not know that it was God who delivered His people into their hands. So the ark was brought to Ashdod, to the house of their god Dagon.
Precious One, two things happened when the ark arrived in Philistia. First, God's heavy hand was lifted against Dagon (the god of the Philistines). The ark, being a representation of His presence and glory, in the house of Dagon meant that God had shown up. Dagon had no choice but to bow before God (1 Sam 5:3). The priests of Dagon could not comprehend this. They tried the second time by setting Dagon upright. By the following morning, not only had Dagon bowed before the ark, but its palms and head had been cut off (1 Sam 5:4). God had lifted His heavy hand against Dagon.
Beloved, any time God shows up, the devil bows, situations and circumstances bow, darkness bows, and men bow because of His heavy hand. This is why He says that He stands at the door of our hearts. If any man will let Him inside, He will bring light to disperse the darkness or wickedness that has infested the heart. When He cleans the heart, He will dine with you (Rev 3:20).
Precious One, is there a situation that is bothering you? Bring God into the picture, and He will lift up His heavy hand against that situation. Is there any struggle or habit you are unable to break? Bring God into it. Employ the heavy hand of God, and all will bow. Glory to God!
Secondly, God's heavy hand was lifted up against the Philistines because they had desecrated that which was sacred. Belshazzar, king of Babylon, desecrated the holy cups of God. God's judgment came upon him that same night (Dan 5:1-5). God brought upon the whole nation of Philistine boils in their private parts as a judgment for moving the ark from where it belongs to the house of idols.
Beloved, let us learn to hold dear the things that are dear to God. Cease to be part of those who speak rubbish about God and the things of God. Treat sacred things sacred, and God's hand will never be against you.
Remain blessed.
FURTHER READING: Daniel 5:1-31
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD
- Is there a situation in your life that your strength is unable to subdue?
- Have you invited God into such a situation, trusting Him to come through for you?
- Have you desecrated or spoken ill about God and the things of God?
PRAYER
Precious Father, you will have mercy on whom you will have mercy. It is not the one who runs fastest or the one who wills, but your mercies. Eternal One, please, I invite you into my life and all challenges I am confronted with. Kindly shine your light in my life and all darkness will disperse. Forgive me, Lord, wherever I have desecrated the things of God, in Jesus' precious name. Hallelujah!
ONE-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Job 11, Micah 7, James 3, James 4
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