How should believers respond when witnessing God's power, as seen in 1 Samuel 5:9? The Scene in 1 Samuel 5:9 “But after they had moved the ark to Gath, the hand of the LORD was against that city, causing a great panic. He struck the men of the city, from the least to the greatest, and tumors broke out on them.” (1 Samuel 5:9) Key Truths We Observe • God’s power is real, immediate, and impartial—“from the least to the greatest.” • His hand brings both blessing and judgment; here it is judgment because His holiness was violated (cf. Numbers 4:15, Leviticus 10:1-3). • Panic (“great panic”) is the natural human response when sinners are confronted with divine holiness (cf. Acts 5:5-11). Appropriate Responses for Believers Today 1. Reverent Awe • “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling” (Psalm 2:11). • Hebrews 12:28-29 reminds us that acceptable worship is offered “with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” • God’s power should never be taken lightly or turned into a casual experience. 2. Humble Self-Examination • When judgment fell on Gath, every resident was affected; none of us is above correction (1 Corinthians 10:12). • Psalm 139:23-24 models the prayerful posture: “Search me, O God… see if there is any offensive way in me.” • Repent quickly where sin is exposed (Proverbs 28:13). 3. Prompt Obedience • The Philistines eventually acknowledged God’s hand and sent the ark away (1 Samuel 6:1-8). • Obedience means aligning actions with God’s revealed Word without delay (John 14:15). • Delayed obedience after witnessing His power can invite further discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11). 4. Worship and Thanksgiving • God’s power, even in judgment, underscores His sovereignty; worship is the right response (Psalm 95:6-7). • Remember past deliverances and acts of might (Deuteronomy 8:2). Gratitude cultivates trust for the future. 5. Bold Testimony • Declare what God has done—both His mercy and His justice (Psalm 96:3). • Acts 4:20: “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” • Testimony warns the unbelieving and encourages the faithful (Jude 22-23). Living This Out • Begin each day with Scripture that highlights God’s majesty (e.g., Isaiah 6, Revelation 4). • Cultivate habits of immediate repentance when convicted by the Spirit. • Let gatherings of worship reflect genuine awe—songs, silence, and Scripture that exalt God’s holiness. • Share stories of God’s powerful interventions to strengthen the church and call the lost to salvation. Witnessing the Lord’s power, whether in blessing or judgment, should move believers to deeper reverence, quicker obedience, authentic worship, and courageous witness—responses that honor the God whose hand is mighty and whose holiness is uncompromising. |
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