SATURDAY November 10, 2018
Ichabod
Then she [Eli’s daughter-in-law] named the child Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel!” because the ark of God had been captured…”
1 Samuel 4:21
The glory of God had departed from Israel because of their continual disobedience. Instead of taking the LORD of Hosts into the battle against the Philistines, they took the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark of the Covenant represented God’s presence among them, but His presence was no longer with them––Ichabod––the glory of God had departed.
Does God’s glory depart from individuals or congregations today? I believe with all my heart it can. Churches and people can become religious; as a result, they have no real presence of God in their midst. There are churches that accept sin in their congregations. People can attend church and yet live a life practicing sin––they do not repent.
God is gracious. He loves people and will try to get their attention by chastisement. At times, He will cause them to become sick, or He will cause them to become weak. There are even instances when He will bring death. This is what Paul warned the Corinthians about:
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep [die]… we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world (1 Corinthians 11:28-34).
Therefore, every one of us has to take a serious examination of our lives. Is there a sin that you have become blind too in your life? How many opportunities has God given to you to repent before He says, “Ichabod,” and there will be no more glory? God’s presence will depart from your life. While there is still opportunity, come back to Christ in sincere contrition.
God Himself is here waiting our response to His Presence.
~A.W. Tozer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!