“So Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the Lord. 21 Then the Lord appeared again in Shiloh. For the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord. 1Now Israel went out to battle against the Philistines, and encamped beside Ebenezer; and the Philistines encamped in Aphek. 2 Then the Philistines put themselves in battle array against Israel. And when they joined battle, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men of the army in the field. 3 And when the people had come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the Lord defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord from Shiloh to us, that when it comes among us it may save us from the hand of our enemies.” 4 So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from there the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.” 1 Samuel 3:19-21, 4:1-4 NKJV
Mighty God,
Samuel was a proven prophet, established, trusted and known right across from Dan to Beersheba. And he was with the Ark at Shiloh. Yet when the Israelites were defeated in Battle did they go and ask His Godly counsel? No they took the Ark of the Covenant. They put their trust in a symbol of You rather than consulting You.
I suppose it is a bit like repeating promises in scripture rather than having them to help us know who we are approaching with our requests. Or trusting that the bread and the wine make us holy rather than Your sacrifice upon the cross. Some people touch wood as in days of old an idol would be touched for luck. We need to beware we do not put our trust in things when there is a need. But put our trust and seek You first, personally, before godly counsel and direction from Your Word.
The Israelites learned that the Ark could not save them but You God did teach the enemy a lesson about who is the only God! The enemy is no match for You, then or now.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 25th March 2026
Me too . . . I run to the Father again and again and again and again . . .
I’ve carried a burden for too long on my own
I wasn’t created to bear it alone
I hear Your invitation to let it all go
Yeah, I see it now I’m laying it down
And I know that I need You
I run to the Father, I fall into grace
I’m done with the hiding no reason to wait
My heart needs a surgeon my soul needs a friend
So I’ll run to the Father again and again
And again and again Oh, oh, oh
You saw my condition had a plan from the start
Your Son for redemption the price for my heart
And I don’t have a context for that kind of love
I don’t understand I can’t comprehend
All I know is I need You
Choorus : I run to the Father
My heart has been in Your sights long before my first breath
Running into Your arms is running to life from death
And I feel this rush deep in my chest Your mercy is calling out
Just as I am You pull me in and I know I need You now
Chorus
Lyrics: Cody Jay Carnes, Matt Maher, Ran Matthew Jackson