Daily Devotional for Tuesday, June 20

The People of Ashdod Are Afflicted

“And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god,” I Samuel 5:7.

What a beautiful sight to see the vast blue ocean sparkle in the sun and hear the roar of the waves as they crash up against the rocks. I enjoy the beach and appreciate the wonder of God’s creation, but I also have a healthy respect for the dangers within the deep. Although full of beauty, it can also be treacherous if its limits are pushed too far. It is true the creation of God is wondrous and full of amazing sights to behold, but how much more awesome is the Creator. His great glory goes beyond anything we could ever fathom and yet a reverential fear of God is lacking in the world today.  

The Philistines did not fear the God of Israel when they took the ark of the covenant and brought it into Ashdod. This was the most sacred item of the Temple as it carried the mercy seat where the glory of the Lord resided. It represented the presence of God Himself within the nation of Israel and was holy. They were judged quickly as the Lord brought upon the people large and painful tumors to torment them. The Philistines recognized this judgment was from God and yet they still did not fall on their face and turn to the God of Israel.

Our God is a holy God and His majesty is beyond compare. It can often be very difficult to see the lack of reverence for the Lord that we are seeing in the world today. Do not be discouraged. Keep your eye on the prize and continue sharing the Gospel. Jesus is coming soon and great is His reward!

REFLECTION: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).

Darla Goodrum