1 Samuel 7:1 And the men of Kiriath-jearim came and took up the ark of the Lord and brought it to the house of Abinadab on the hill. And they consecrated his son Eleazar to have charge of the ark of the Lord. From the day that the ark was lodged at Kiriath-jearim, a long time passed, some twenty years, and all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord. And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.
During the time of Eli and prior to Samuel the Israelites fell away from serving God. Subsequently, God punished them and the Ark of the covenant was taken from them. However, this did not remain in the hands of its captors long because the hand of God was upon them and then it was returned to the Israelites because of this.
The falling away is a common theme across mankind. this happens when the word of God is not desired nor is it active in their life.
How would people live if this verse concerning eternal destiny was taken seriously: Matt 7:23 “Depart from Me, I never knew you.”
Are the words recorded in 2 Timothy 4:3 a clear description of today’s thoughts? “ For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”
Societies change, people change, morals change and sadly churches change but thank God, His word never changes. Staying in His word grounds us and protects us from the slippery slope of deception that prevails in our culture today. Staying in His word feeds, waters, and gives breath to our soul for His honor and glory. Staying in His word is an intentional choice – choose wisely – return tot he Lord with all your heart and direct your heart to humbly serve, honor, follow, and obey Him.
