Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 4-6; Luke 12:35-59.
Memory Verse: “And she named the child I-chabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband.” 1 Samuel 4:21 (KJV)
Ichabod means inglorious or the glory has departed. The word was used to describe Israel by the daughter in-law of Eli when she learnt that the Ark of God had been captured by the unbelieving Philistines and her husband, Phinehas and his brother had died at the war. Furthermore, her father in-law died when he heard the news and she also went into forced labor and gave the name ‘Ichabod’ to her newly born child while she gave up the ghost!
What a tragedy befalling a Priest of God and his family in one day! God is patient and gives his beloved warnings before punishing them. Such warning is to give you opportunity to repent and come back to Him but if you fail to retrace your steps, God will act and that could be devastating as in the case of Eli, a highly revered Priest and Judge of Israel! There are a few lessons we can glean from this event.
Firstly, the Israelites took the Ark of God to the war front expecting to be favored and defeat their enemies as God had done for them in the past. However, they forgot God’s word to Eli in 1 Samuel 2:30 that He will honour those who honour Him and lightly esteem those who despise Him! Because the children of Eli dishonored God, they were killed at the war front even with His Ark. Secondly, the fact that you are in the house of God or a keeper of the house of God does not guaranty God’s favour or His presence. It’s the way you honour Him that matters. Thirdly, It is important to always examine oneself that you are still faithful to God. And where you are unfaithful or sinful, to go to the lord immediately and repent. Otherwise, God will sanction you unexpectedly for your sin and it could be paying the ultimate price of death.
Fourthly, where you are a partaker of the benefits of sinful act, you need to call your partner or relation involved in the sin to order and quickly repent to avoid last minute regret like Phinehas’ wife who went into forced labor in 1 Samuel 4:21 (KJV), “And she named the child I-chabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband.” Lastly, the presence of God and it’s blessings can depart from anyone, who engages in unrepentant sin and there may not be room to repent at the point of God’s punishment.
Today is Easter Monday. It is a day for sober reflection; noting that Jesus resurrected on Sunday and thus gives a fresh hope of eternal life to those who believe in Him. Similarly, it signifies the reality of eternal damnation to everyone who has not accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour. In fact, the glory has departed from such a life! That’s why it’s important you examine yourself this moment and surrender your life to Jesus Christ if you have not accepted Him before or to rededicate your life if you have backslided. It is not late yet but delay could mean losing the opportunity finally.
Happy Easter Monday!
Action Point: If you are not truly born again, you need to repent of your sins and accept the Lord Jesus as your Lord and Saviour this moment and begin a new journey of eternal life. Also, praise him all through today!
Bro. Biodun Oyapero