1 Samuel 4

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What’s In Your Box?

“What’s In Your Box” was the title of lesson 5 in the Bible study I am leading through the book of 1 Samuel.  In this study, we found the Israelites heading out to battle against the Philistines only to get thoroughly defeated.  Their solution is to regroup and take the ark of the covenant with them into battle.  The ark represented God’s presence among them and although they had been given very specific instructions from God on how to treat the ark, their desire to have God with them in battle seemed to outweigh any obedience to His instructions.  Rather than seek God and listen to His plan, it appears they thought that if they could take “God in the box” (an ark is by definition simply a box, or chest) with them into battle then victory would be assured.  We know the result though — the Philistines not only defeat them again but they capture the ark and take it away from the Israelites.

It is easy to look at that from our point in history and think, “What did they expect?  You can’t contain God in a box.”  Yet how often do we have a “box” that we try to keep God in so that we can bring Him out on special occasions and when in desperate need?  Sometimes our box is a physical item.  If we just have our Bible, that special cross necklace, a sacred keepsake, then God is with us — He has to be because we have the item that we carry him around in.  Sometimes our box is a little less tangible.  Perhaps a talent or ability, a giftedness or personal strength, even a friendship or relationship with another person — we think if this is present then we know God is with us.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying there is anything wrong with any of these — remember the ark of the covenant was God’s idea! 

The problem is that when we allow them to become more than reminders and tools to know God — they become our god.  When we replace a relationship with the living God with anything else, we have settled for a cheap (and ineffective) substitute.  If we carry our Bible to show God is with us yet never open it, nor read and do what it says, we will likely find that our “box” does us little good when we face temptation and the enemy.  If we carry our giftedness from God as a badge of honor yet never seek out His wisdom in how and when to use it, are we really worshiping God or just ourself?

So, what is your box and what is in it?  Do you spend time with God or just with the objects that remind you of God?  When trouble comes, and it will come, do you find strength in the confidence and faith that God is really with you or are you left defeated and wondering why God didn’t show up when you have “His” box with you? 

I pray that the “box” of your covenant with God is a constant reminder of the vibrant and growing relationship that you have with Him.  I pray that when the day of trouble comes that your box is not empty but it is filled with the tools necessary to draw you into communication with God for the purpose of knowing Him, His plans, His will, and His direction in your life.

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1 Samuel: Lesson 5 — What’s In Your Box?

The following are discussion questions from a weekly study I am leading through the book of 1 Samuel.  We meet each Wednesday evening at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

 

Here Comes A King:
A Study of the Book of 1 Samuel

Lesson 5 (What’s In Your Box)
1 Samuel 4:1-21

The Text:

  1. As chapter 4 opens, what do the Israelites set out to do?  Why would they do this?  How does it go for them?
      
  2. How did the elders of Israel take the news of what had happened?  What was their solution to getting the outcome they wanted?  Who are a part of that solution?
      
  3. What reaction do the Israelites have?  What is the reaction of the Philistines?  What was the result this time around?  Why do you think it didn’t’ go as expected?
      
  4. When the messenger returns from the battle line, where is Eli?  Why?  How did Eli respond to the news he received? 
      
  5. What do we learn about Eli’s daughter-in-law?  How did the news of the day affect her?  What does she do?  What is the name given her son?  Why?

The Application:

  1. How do you decide what “battles” to take on?  How do you approach your enemies?  How does that typically work out for you?
     
  2. Who do you go to when you are defeated in your “battles”?  What is their response?  What “Arks” might be suggested as the secret weapon in winning?
         
  3. How do people respond to the symbols of God’s presence that you may carry?  Does having a symbol of God’s presence mean that you have God’s presence?
     
  4. How valuable are the things of God to you?  Are there things of God that would cause you to “fall apart” if they were taken from you?  How can you avoid that?
     
  5. As you think about the boy Ichabod, how accurate was his name, “no glory” at that time in Israel?  Are there times you look around and feel the glory has left?  When there is no glory, what is really the reason?

Next week: 1 Samuel 5:1-12
The Right Thing In The Wrong Place