Pastor Marshall Ochs | April 30, 2023
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel 5-6. These chapters tell the story of the Philistines bringing the ark of God to their capital cities. This proves to be an unwise decision because Yahweh humiliates their god and releases a plague on the people. The Philistines move the ark from town to town, but eventually return the ark to Israel. This story reveals how little help God needs to accomplish His plans, and how his plans include the humiliation of imposter gods and using pain to teach humanity the wisdom of trusting in Yahweh.
Watch
Listen
Reflect
This passage shows us that while God invites us to participate in His plan, He does not need us to accomplish His divine will. Have you ever felt that the accomplishment of God’s plans depends on you? Have you felt God inviting you to participate in His plan and yet you resisted?
We see in 1 Samuel 5 that the Philistines are worshiping an idol named Dagon. Deuteronomy 32:7-9 and 1 Corinthians 10:20 tell us that these idols are fallen angels or demons. They manipulate humanity into idol worship and corrupt God’s image bearers through perverse allegiance and sexual immorality. These demons have not gone away, but take new forms and work to infiltrate the church. 1 Timothy 4:1 warns against the increase of deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons in the latter days. Are there areas of your life in which you have embraced the world and its corrupt teachings?
In 1 Samuel 6, the Philistines conjure up a plan to try and end the plagues they have caused by their rebellion. It never occurs to them to submit to God’s authority rather than their false gods, or to ask why this pain is happening. There was no humility or repentance. In 1 Samuel 6:10-7:2 we find that the Levites didn’t follow God’s instructions either, which ultimately leads to over 50,000 men dying. Are you currently experiencing a season of pain, challenge or trial?
Some pain is due to living in a sinful world. Some pain is self-inflicted due to disobedience to God. Sometimes pain is because Jesus is using it to reveal His superiority over our life. When we experience pain or trials, we must consider the truth that is standing just behind our pain. We must also ask the question, “What is God trying to teach me?”
We must learn from this passage to not be like the Philistines or the Israelites and refuse to see and embrace the truth. If this has happened to you, repent and turn back to God! Ask His forgiveness and start obeying His teaching and instruction.