The hand of God

Weekly Bible study: 1 Samuel 5

God doesn't make holy objects. But there are times when He allows his glory to be seen in strange ways.

Take the capture of the ark of the covenant by the Philistines. It is clear that God did not make the ark some kind of super-power-object. The Israelites had turned it into an idol and thought they would defeat the Philistines with the ark in their midst. But God allowed the Philistines to capture it.

However, when the Philistines put the ark in the temple of their deity - the idol falls over during the night and lies prostrate in front of the ark. This image has to be "restored to its place" (a telling commentary that). The next day - same thing - only now the head and hands of the idol have broken off.

Now look at what happens. The hand of the Lord was heavy against the Philistines. The difference between the broken hands of the idol and the mighty hand of God is stark.

But yet the Philistines do not turn to God - instead - they ask that the ark be sent away.

How much we face a similar situation in our world today. Despite many clear signs of God's power - people are still asking to send the true and living God away - rather than turn to Him in worship.

The Bible says that the people of the world are blinded by the god of this age (2 Cor. 4:4).

Our challenge continues to be not to just demonstrate the power of God - but also to help people see His great love that He has for us - every one of us.

The hand of God that was powerful and heavy against the Philistines (and the Israelites too from time to time) - offered itself to have nails pierced in it out of love for each person (1 Tim. 2:4-7).