The people summoned the Philistine rulers again and begged them, “Please send the Ark of the God of Israel back to its own country, or it will kill us all.” For the deadly plague from God had already begun, and great fear was sweeping across the town.
– 1 Samuel 5:11 (NLT)
Have you ever seen something you thought you really wanted, bought it and brought it home, only to realize a short time later that it was a huge mistake?
This describes the plight of the Philistines after defeating the Israelites. They thought they wanted the sacred Ark of the Covenant that they had captured and took it as plunder. So they brought it back home with them and put it in their temple where the statue of their god – Dagon – was proudly displayed. But in very short order, they realized they had made a terrible mistake.
Instead of a trophy of war, the Ark became a source of sheer terror. First, their god Dagon topped over in its presence – twice. Then, disease and devastation spread throughout every city where the Ark was taken. Nobody wanted it and rightfully so! Panic set in. What seemed like a prize had become a curse. Finally, the Philistines had enough. They called their leaders together and all agreed: “Send it away!”
As Adam and Eve learned in the Garden of Eden, so should we never forget: Not everything that looks desirable is good for us. Sometimes we chase after things – possessions, relationships, status and influence – only to find that they bring more trouble than joy. The Philistines had no business possessing the Ark because they had no relationship with the God it represented.
Before we grasp at something that seems appealing to us, we would do well to ask ourselves this question: Is this from God? If not, we may be inviting unnecessary trouble into our lives. True blessing comes not from taking what looks valuable, but from seeking what is undeniably valuable – something truly from Him.
Former Blackout Artist 