The Disciple of the Heavy Hand of God | 1 Samuel 5

How do you respond to God's discipline?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 5. This chapter recounts the Philistines' capture of the Ark and the subsequent divine intervention that led it back to its rightful place. I've titled this chapter "Clearing The Path To Glory."

At the end of the last chapter and the beginning of this chapter, Israel has sustained severe losses. The wife of Phinehas summarized it well:

The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured. — 1 Samuel 4:22

The sad ending in Chapter 4 marks an abrupt conclusion to a once glorious period for Israel. It represents a dark time of profound loss for God's people. If you have experienced a similar moment in your life, you understand the feeling it brings. These moments are characterized by darkness and overwhelming despair, often leaving one uncertain of how to react.

But then we come upon the key verse of Chapter 5. Verse 6 reads:

The hand of the Lord was heavy against the people of Ashdod, and he terrified and afflicted them with tumors, both Ashdod and its territory. — 1 Samuel 5:6

The "heavy hand of God" is the great metaphor of this chapter. It describes God's tangible involvement in human affairs in profound and mysterious ways. But this metaphor takes us back to another place where similar language was used—Egypt. In the book of Exodus, God's "heavy hand" is displayed numerous times through mighty plaques against the Pharaoh that deliver his people from bondage (Exodus 3:19-20; 6:1; 9:3; 15:6-7). God's "heavy hand" had been an image of the forceful discipline he used to bring about his glory.

Thus, in the previous chapter, we witness God's "heavy hand" against Israel. Then, in this chapter, we witness His "heavy hand" against the Philistines. I couldn't help but notice that Israel regrets God's "heavy hand" against them but then relishes His "heavy hand" against others.

God disciplines us all. Sometimes, his hand is heavy, and other times, it is light. He disciplines us in public or private, great or small, and it always has a purpose. His discipline directs us to his glory. You see, God's glory never fades, but we fail to reflect it. He does not need us to sustain it, but he does want us to know it, enjoy it, celebrate it, praise it, never abuse it, use it, misuse it, and defame it. The key is submitting to his discipline.

In Chapter 5, we will see the Ark of God move from Philistine town to town until it returns to Shiloh. (There is a map in the video today illustrating the journey). It is carried from Shiloh to battle at Ebenezer. Then, it is captured and taken into Philistine territory in Ashdod. Then, it is carried down to Gath, next to Ekron, and finally returned to Shiloh. Some mysterious "heavy-handed" events occur that hold fascinating lessons for us.

And you will have to join us for the next six days to discover them.

God Never Sits Second Chair.
When Idols Fall, Don’t Prop Them Up.
What Idol Do You Fear?
When God Becomes a Pain in Your Butt.
Don’t Move Your Problem Around.
The Return of The Lord.

#GodsDiscipline, #SpiritualGrowth, #DivineIntervention

Ask This:
How do you typically respond when faced with challenges or discipline, whether from God or otherwise?

Reflecting on Israel's journey with the Ark in 1 Samuel 5, what lessons can you apply to your life regarding embracing God's discipline and seeking His glory?
Do This:

Submit to God's discipline and know his Glory.

Pray This:

Lord, help me to embrace Your discipline with humility and trust, knowing that Your guiding hand leads me closer to Your glory each day. Grant me the wisdom and strength to learn from Your lessons and reflect Your love to those around me. Amen.

Play This:

The Heart of Worship.