On this day, when I wrote my answer to Mr Roberts of Logos Ministries International and his deceitful attempt to deny what I wrote about LMI, I providentially read, as part of my daily Bible reading, 1 Samuel chapter 4.
As I read it, I noted truths which I am sure God would have Free Presbyterians take note of.
It was time when a perplexing question was on many lips. It is a question that needs to be asked by us all in this day when the enemy prevails.
“WHEREFORE HATH THE LORD SMITTEN US TO DAY BEFORE THE PHILISTINES?” verse 3.
Christian, do you have any sense of that which is taking place amongst us today?
Please note these following observations:
1. They were smitten of the Lord because they had followed the leadership of ungodly frauds and imposters.
“Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,” 1 Samuel 2:22.
2. Being thus led, the people placed their hope in vain notions.
“Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies,” 4:3.
3. Belief in such vain notions filled them with false hope.
“And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again,” 1Samuel 4:5.
4. The dreadful price the people paid for their folly.
“And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen. And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain,” 1 Samuel 4:10-11.
5. The man who suffered most was the unfaithful judge who knew he did wrong when he had been silent as the evil was being carried out.
“Eli sat upon a seat by the wayside watching: for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out. And when Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said, What meaneth the noise of this tumult? And the man came in hastily, and told Eli. Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he could not see. And the man said unto Eli, I am he that came out of the army, and I fled to day out of the army. And he said, What is there done, my son? And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken. And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years,” 1 Samuel 4:13-18.
6. Eli’s death symbolises the fate that awaits all unfaithful servants of God.
“And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years,” 1 Samuel 4:18.
7. The calamity faced by God’s people as a result of their disobedience of God and their following of deceitful leaders.
“And his daughter in law, Phinehas’ wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed; for her pains came upon her. And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it. And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband. And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken,” 1 Samuel 4:19-22.
THIS IS THE DREADFUL FATE THAT AWAITS THE FREE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IS IT CONTINUES ON DOWN THE ROAD OF COMPROMISE AND DISOBEDIENCE.
Please Note
It should also be noted that the chapter starts with a wonderful statement, before relating these disastrous events:
“And the word of Samuel came to all Israel.”
God maintains His witness in the midst of failure, disobedience and folly.
This He will continue to do until the end of this age, no matter what errors are embraced by the professing Christian Church for, “The word of God, . . . liveth and abideth for ever,” 1 Peter 1:23.
May Samuel’s voice be heard in Ulster in this day of declension!
“And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground,” 1 Samuel 3:19.
This a day for heeding God’s call by the lips of Moses:
“THEN MOSES STOOD IN THE GATE OF THE CAMP, AND SAID, WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE? LET HIM COME UNTO ME,” Exodus 32:26.
May you answer that call Christian!
Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd)
14th August 2024