The Philistines heard the sound of the war cry and asked, "What's this loud shout in the Hebrews' camp?" When the Philistines discovered that the ark of YHWH had entered the camp, they panicked. "The gods have entered their camp!" they said. "Woe to us, nothing like this has happened before." - 1 Samuel 4:6-7
Does your presence strike fear in our enemy? Does your church ignite fear in the heart(s) of God's enemy(ies)?
When the Philistine army learned that the ark of the covenant had been moved from Shiloh into the Israelite camp, they trembled with fear. The ark had a fearsome reputation. They knew that wherever it went, there was the promise of victory for Israel and destruction for her enemies. Usually, the ark meant that God was present and, of course, His presence included His power and might. Yet, in this particular case the Philistines had nothing to fear, because God was not there.
His glory had already departed.
Could it be that God's enemies have nothing to fear from our churches today? Oh, the buildings are there (like the ark of the covenant) and some are even quite beautiful, but God's presence in His people has apparently departed. The same might be said for entire denominations. Could it be said of yours?
God does not come in a box or a building. He comes through hearts or He does not come at all. Where, O where, are you church?
I have withstood the power of convictions a long time; and therefore I fear I shall be finally left of God. - David Brainerd
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