“Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord from Shiloh to us, that when it comes among us it may save us from the hand of our enemies.” 1 Samuel 4:3b (NKJV) (emphasis mine)
The Israelites had just been defeated by the Philistines and, as an after thought, they considered turning to God for protection; except that they didn’t turn to God but to the Ark of the Covenant, that “it might save” them. Notice the use of “it and us,” their focus is obviously not upon God, but upon the Ark and themselves. There is a tremendous lesson to be learned here for all who are partakers of God’s grace. We should take heed to the fact that it was not the ark itself that could save them, it was (and is) God Who saves. The lesson to be learned by us in this passage is that we can’t bring God to ourselves unless we go to Him. We can’t rely on some symbol or edifice, no matter how opulent it may be; only God’s presence is sufficient for our salvation.
God is not our personal attack animal; He is not to be turned to only in time of danger. Our God is real and He really wants us to be in relationship with Him. The Israelites were mistaken in that they thought bringing the symbol of God’s presence into their midst was the same as them moving into His presence. We are guilty as well; far too many folk in Church every Sunday have built their lives and their hope around the Church building. Tragically substituting a man made edifice for the Supernatural presence of Almighty God Himself, we have become worshipers of the “Church” rather than of the God of the”Church,” who created us. We must, and will, learn that our buildings can not save us; our denominational doctrine can not protect us, neither can the congregation we call our Church family. Our beautiful sanctuaries are a pitiful substitute for the personal relationship that God desires and demands from His people. What about you and your Church? Are you worshiping God, or depending upon the building and it‘s traditions and history as the symbol of His presence to save you?
The Sovereign God of all that is, is waiting for us to come to Him and find relief from our burdens.
