How should we respond to witnessing God's power as in 1 Samuel 6:16? Setting the Scene 1 Samuel 6:16: “And when the five rulers of the Philistines had seen this, they returned to Ekron that same day.” • These pagan rulers had just watched the ark safely arrive in Beth-shemesh, the Levites offer burnt offerings, and Israel rejoice. • Every sign shouted that the God of Israel is living, holy, and utterly in control. God’s Power on Display • The ark’s journey—plagues in Philistia, cows trekking straight to Israel without human guidance—proved that the LORD alone directs events (1 Samuel 6:12). • Scripture repeatedly points to such unmistakable demonstrations: – Red Sea parting (Exodus 14:31) – Fire on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:38-39) – Christ calming the storm (Mark 4:39-41) Right Responses to Witnessing God’s Power • Stand in awe – “Come and see what God has done, how awesome are His deeds for mankind!” (Psalm 66:5). – Awe guards against casual familiarity. • Humble ourselves – Peter fell at Jesus’ knees: “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8). – God’s power exposes our need and His sufficiency. • Repent and obey – After Pentecost miracles, the crowd was “pierced to the heart” and asked what to do; they were told, “Repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:37-38). – Obedience is the fitting tribute to divine power. • Testify to others – Joshua set up memorial stones “so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty” (Joshua 4:24). – Sharing prevents forgetfulness and multiplies praise. • Return changed – The Philistine lords left Beth-shemesh aware they could not trifle with Israel’s God. – Genuine encounters with His power should redirect our decisions, priorities, and worship. Practical Steps for Today • Record God’s interventions in a journal; revisit them to fuel faith. • Tell the next generation (Psalm 78:4). • Align choices with what His power reveals—whether ending a sin habit, starting a ministry, or reconciling a relationship. • Gather with believers specifically to recount answered prayer and celebrate His deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25). Encouragement for Ongoing Awe God’s power is not confined to dramatic miracles; it pulses through daily providence—sunrise, salvation, Scripture, and Spirit. Keep eyes open, hearts soft, and lives surrendered, so each new glimpse of His might deepens reverence and quickens obedience. |
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