Today I read 1 Samuel 7, in which the Ark of the Lord resided in Kirjathjearim and the Philistines were defeated at Mizpah because God headed Samuel’s prayer. Today I considered that God cares about how we act towards Him and about whom we have as spiritual leaders.
Treatment of the Ark and Spiritual Leadership
The Ark was again with Israel and they had a devoted man of God praying for and judging Israel such that God fought their battles (Samuel 7:1-17). The men of Kirjathjearim took the Ark to Abinadab’s house, sanctified his son Eleazar to keep the Ark and it stayed in that town for 20 years. Samuel had the people put away strange gods, prepare their hearts for God, gather at Mizpeh, and he prayed for them. The Philistines knew Israel gathered and went to defeat them. The people asked Samuel to keep praying. Samuel prayed and offered a burnt offering to God. God heeded Samuel and struck the Philistines in front of Israel. The men of Israel chased after the Philistines. God’s hand was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Have you ever considered that God sees how you treat His things and knows how you listen to His leaders?