In many places today, the Church has settled for symbols of the presence of God. We have symbols of crosses and doves, Holy Communion dishes, candles, and great church buildings. We may even have the emotions of shouting and praising God, as did Israel when the Ark came into the camp in 1 Samuel 4:5.
I Samuel 4 opens with the nation of Israel battling the Philistines. Israel is camped at a place called Ebenezer and the Philistine army has pitched their tents in Aphek. Israel was losing the battle because of sin in their midst, especially in their leadership (see I Samuel chapter 3). When they lost 4,000 men in battle, they began to ask “Why has the Lord smitten us?”
Instead of seeking the Lord and searching their hearts to reveal the true problem, the Israeli army decided to take the Ark, the symbol of God’s presence, and send it before them in battle. In previous battles, at God’s command, the Ark had preceded Israel’s army into battle, but it was only the symbol of God’s presence. Because of sin, the presence of God was not with His people in this battle so the symbol of His presence was meaningless.
We learn that the Philistines capture the Ark in chapter 4:11. The symbol of God’s presence was now in the hands of the enemy and Israel was defeated in battle.
When we lose God’s presence, we are also rendered ineffective in battle.
But is the presence of God truly with us, or have we settled for symbols and rituals? Whenever we settle for symbol, ritual, and tradition, the presence of God withdraws. The glory of God is lost to the enemy. Have you settled for ritual instead of the reality of God’s presence?
