Nov
18
God in a Box
Filed Under Devotional
I tried to think of a representative movie or TV show that would reflect the point I was trying to make here. After some thought, though, I realized that there are many candidates where the story includes a character that overreaches and gets more than he bargained for. If it’s a comedy, it’s a chuckle to watch the misfortune of the villain. If it’s a drama, it’s a tragedy to watch the hero become something less. If it’s real life, you just hope it’s not you.
As I read through the story of the Philistines capturing the Ark of the Covenant, it seemed almost like a script. The enemy captures one of the most precious belongings of the Israelites and they want to put it on display to brag about it. They start by putting it in front of their god. Twice, though, they find their idol fallen face down in front of the Ark. Soon, people begin developing tumors and other unpleasant health problems. The leaders move it from town to town as it goes from being a prize to a curse. Finally, they send it to Ekron:
“So they sent the ark of God to Ekron.
As the ark of God was entering Ekron, the people of Ekron cried out, ‘They have brought the ark of the god of Israel around to us to kill us and our people.’ So they called together all the rulers of the Philistines and said, ‘Send the ark of the god of Israel away; let it go back to its own place, or it will kill us and our people.’ For death had filled the city with panic; God’s hand was very heavy upon it.” 1 Samuel 5:10-11
I take comfort in this story and here’s why: There are many who want to redefine God out from under us. They want to steal Him and turn Him into something else that they can control or, at least, ridicule. My comfort is that they don’t get it. Every victory they think they have is empty. God will not be denied. God’s plan will not be altered. Defeating or outsmarting Christians will not defeat God.
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6:7
We should continue to stand for truth. But, if you have a setback, don’t worry. God won’t allow Himself to be boxed up or ignored. He stills rules with absolute authority.