How should we respond when witnessing God's power, as in 1 Samuel 5:11? Witnessing God’s power – 1 Samuel 5:11 “They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines and said, ‘Send away the ark of the God of Israel. Let it return to its own place, so it will not kill us and our people.’ For the fear of death had filled the city; God’s hand was heavy upon it.” What the Philistines got right • They recognized the source of the calamity: the hand of the living God, not chance. • They treated the ark with sober seriousness, acknowledging its holiness. • They acted quickly; delay would have meant greater judgment. What they missed • They sought relief, not relationship. • They desired distance from God rather than repentance toward Him. • They never asked how to honor the God whose power they experienced. Timeless lessons for us • Acknowledge God’s sovereignty whenever His power is evident—whether in blessing or discipline (Psalm 115:3). • Respond with humble fear, not casual indifference (Acts 5:11). • Move toward God, not away from Him. His power exposes sin so we will seek mercy (Isaiah 55:6-7). • Repentance, not relocation, is the remedy. Sending the ark away spared the Philistines for the moment, but it did not reconcile them to God (Luke 13:3). • Honor what belongs to the Lord. Treat holy things—and His name—with reverence (Hebrews 12:28-29). Practical responses when we witness His power today 1. Stop and worship—declare His greatness aloud (Psalm 145:6). 2. Search your heart—ask where repentance is needed (Psalm 139:23-24). 3. Submit your plans—yield control to the One who shows He is truly in charge (James 4:13-15). 4. Speak of His deeds—share testimonies that point others to His glory (Mark 5:19). 5. Stand in faith—trust His power for deliverance, not just discipline (Ephesians 3:20). Scripture echoes • Exodus 14:31 – Israel “feared the Lord and believed” after seeing His might at the Red Sea. • Isaiah 6:5 – Isaiah’s vision of God’s glory brought confession and cleansing. • Mark 4:41 – The disciples, awestruck by the calmed storm, asked, “Who is this?” • Revelation 15:4 – “Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?” Summary When God’s power breaks into our lives, the only fitting response is reverent fear that drives us toward Him—confessing sin, submitting to His rule, and proclaiming His glory. |
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