Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Prophecy Fulfilled:all is not lost! Read 1 Samuel 4: 1b-22 "Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told." Habakkuk 1:5 During the Asian tsunami of 2004, it was reported by the Ceylon Bible Society that the waves came charging as a worship service was going on in a Sri Lankan church. This is reminiscent of the mighty Philistine army descending on the Israelite army with God’s Ark sitting there right in their midst. It is a common misconception that if we are engaged in the Lord 's work, things will be smooth. Oftentimes we face even more opposition. But we need not fear because Jesus Himself prophesied about earthquakes, tidal waves and even more other frightening calamities (Luke 21:11,25) in these last years of planet earth. Tragedy descended on Israel that day. The Ark that they had thought would ‘magically’ deliver them, was itself captured by the Philistines. The Ark was a wooden chest containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments which signified God’s covenant with His people. The two guardian priests, the sons of Eli, were killed. When the anxious Eli received the news of their death and especially that of the capture of the Ark, he fell backwards and died instantly. He had been keeper of the Ark for 40 years and it is significant that when he could no longer defend it, he lost his life. But all was not lost. God was still in control. Remember God had already given two previous warnings about this day through a prophet and the boy Samuel. Even in life’s darkest day, we can be comforted. In spite of the circumstances, we must trust God, particularly when we already have prophesies about them given beforehand. Life can end so suddenly for some and the only real comfort for us then is that they have safely gone home to their Lord. Pray that more Christians will urgently share the good news so that more people will be saved. That is the only way they can be ready to face death when it comes, no matter how suddenly. B121