1st Samuel 5:11. “So they went and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and your people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there.”
GO AGAIN TO HIS OWN PLACE. It is like a living thing, the awareness of God’s presence – Not seen, but extremely real imposing in its essence – Overpowering the normal life of natural men Claiming authority without saying a thing.
It has been here unnoticed by most in this town. We haven’t disturbed the peace much nor turned it upside down With challenges made to the status quo – And yet there is a presence here that the old folks know.
The young have forgotten that God rules over men. They live life much different – it all centers on them. The presence of God in their midst they don’t know – And won’t care at all until sin’s darkness in them shows.
They don’t – and the most – will never believe – Because they live for today measuring what they have As the reason for living, they want no hope in the future – Satan has deceived them appealing to their sinful nature.
But still in the midst of this worldly city Is the presence of God, although many will pity; The few that believe in, and trust Jesus as Lord – Committing ourselves to go just by God’s Word.
I don’t know what will happen in years yet to come, But by God’s grace and power, we’ll continue till then.
O God, let us finish as victors when our Lord shall come, Or the closure is evidenced by the ones gathered home.
“Father, some more have gone home this year. Others are nearly there. Give the needed grace to maintain what is here until the plain evidence says we are done. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”