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Memory Verse: Isaiah 42:8
Further Study: 1 Samuel 4-6; Patriarchs and Prophets, 582-589; The Story of Redemption, pp. 185-191; The Bible Story, vol. 3, pp. 155-159

Saying God is there doesn’t make it so. Let’s review the story.

Eli, while he knew God and loved Him, didn’t place God first, making his spiritual leadership almost non-existent. His sons, because their father did not call them to account, only compounded the issue. The people grew disdainful of all things religious. The prophet (Samuel) was recognized, but no one listened to his counsel. So, when Israel went to war, things didn’t go well. While they took the Ark to the battlefront, it was for the wrong reason. They knew that in the past when the Ark was present, battles were won and rivers were opened. But in this case, while they took the symbol, they actually forgot God.

Israel had it all: experience, history, the law, and a prophet, yet failed to be successful because they were missing a crucial ingredient—God Himself. 

Israel had it all: experience, history, the law, and a prophet, yet failed to be successful because they were missing a crucial ingredient—God Himself. Before we shake our heads at how they could be so misguided, let’s pause and recognize the challenge to us. When we do, we may find this story a bit more uncomfortable and closer to home.

How often do we charge out in the name of God whether as an individual, a church, school, or business because we believe it is what God wants us to do, when in actuality it is what we want to do? We think we should go to the mission field or marry this person or take this job. We decide this is what God wants us to do, when what we may really be doing is seeking something for ourselves. We add some prayer, we find a few choice texts, we throw in a few signs, when what we may actually be doing is not following God but telling Him to follow us.

Please recognize that I’m not casting aspersions on God’s calling. He does and He will. I’m suggesting that a relationship with God must come first. We must study deeply into His Word, listen to His prophets, and learn His voice. These allow us to know He is leading as we step out in faith to follow Him versus our deciding something is a good idea and then finding a way to place God in it to make it so.

Bringing the Ark onto the battlefield didn’t bring God, but only a representation— making God more like a lucky charm.

Bringing the Ark onto the battlefield didn’t bring God, but only a representation—making God more like a lucky charm. If we are honest, we can also fall into the same temptation. Pray. Study His Word. Meditate on His promises. Read His prophets. As you do, God’s plan will be revealed, the one He desires and not the other way around. God first, then us. In this, we will be renewed.

Digging Deeper 

In contrast with Israel, the Philistines paid more reverence and respect toward God than Israel. Interestingly, despite the incredible evidence that God was superior in every way to Dagon, their god, the Philistines didn’t acknowledge Him. This leads us to the same lesson but from a different direction.

The Ark was placed in Dagon’s temple. In the morning Dagon was found in a position of supplication, on the floor as if in worship to God. The next morning after having been restored to his position, Dagon was found again on the floor, this time smashed and scattered.

The Ark was sent from one principal Philistine city to another, where, in each case, the same thing happened—a plague broke out and mice overtook the fields and granaries. The Philistines got the message. This God was powerful. They even did as Israel should have. They went to their spiritual advisors for counsel and followed it to the letter! The cows left their newborn calves willingly in yokes they had never been trained to use on a road they had never seen. The evidence was overwhelming that God was the God. And yet, the Philistines don’t accept what was right before their eyes.

So, the believers (Israel), added God to their plans hoping He would approve. The nonbelievers (Philistines) had God, and respected His power, but failed to recognize Him as God. 

Which camp are we? Neither is great. One takes their own counsel and hopes God will bless. The other doesn’t accept God for who He is. Plan this week to discover who God is and what He has in store for you and follow His plan.

Making it Real

My six-year-old grandson is into treasure maps. He likes to hide “treasure” in my house and then draws an elaborate map to find each item. 

Why not draw a “God map” this week. First, remember some ways that God has blessed you. Maybe you were protected from an accident; blessed by family; saved from something; or discovered something that changed your life. Write them down and then create a map that shows God’s leading.

Once you’re finished share your map with your family. Hang it up on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror where you can look at it for several days. Let it help you know that God is leading you each day.

Respond & Share

Have you ever treated God like a lucky charm? How could you avoid this in the future? Share with us in the comments below!

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Merle Poirier writes from Silver Spring, Maryland, where she works as the operation manager for Adventist Review and Adventist World magazines as well as the designer for KidsView, a magazine for 8-12-year-olds. She enjoys spending time with her family including being the grandmother of two active little boys, who greatly enjoy Starting With Jesus.