April 9, 2017: SOAP #2684: 1Samuel 6-7; Psalm 72; 2Corinthians 9

Scripture:  1Samuel (NIV) 7:3 And Samuel said to the whole house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”… 6 When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day, they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel was leader of Israel at Mizpah. … 10 While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the LORD thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites.

Observation:  Israel had tried to defeat the Philistines by bringing the Ark of the Covenant to the battlefield.  The presence of God’s Ark did not help them as they were soundly defeated.   The Philistines captured the Ark and took it to their land where they experienced much trouble.   They returned the Ark, but were still the enemies of the Israelites.  The Philistines came to attack Israel as Israel was gathered for a time of repentance.  But this day was different; God uses His resources on behalf of Israel.

Application:  Sin is turning from God and breaking His standards.  Repentance is being sorry enough to admit I have sinned and changing my behavior.  Sin leads to defeat.  Repentance leads to victory.

Prayer:    Heavenly Father, it is important to you that Your people be holy.  You sent Your Son to die for our sins that we can be justified.  Then You sent Your Holy Spirit to live within us that we live a holy life.  Thank you!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!