Glory Where There is No Glory | 1 Samuel 4:19-22

Are you ready to reveal God's glory where there is no glory?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 4. I've titled this chapter "Misusing Divine Power."

In the first few verses of Chapter 4, we discover that the Israelites were at war with the Philistines. They lose two battles, killing 37,000 men. The Ark of God is taken because Hophni and Phinehas make another stupid decision. They are both killed, and a messenger brings back news: Eli, their father, falls out of his chair because he is fat, apathetic, and blind, breaking his neck and dying. And then this happens to Eli's daughter-in-law:

Now his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant, about to give birth. And when she heard the news that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed and gave birth, for her pains came upon her. And about the time of her death the women attending her said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you have borne a son.” But she did not answer or pay attention. And she named the child Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel!” because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband. And she said, “The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured.” — 1 Samuel 4:19-22

This chapter concludes with the fulfillment of God's prophecy against Eli and his household. In just a few hours, the impact of this prophecy on many generations is evident. Eli, a long-standing Judge, has tipped over and died. His sons, who were high priests, were also slaughtered. Additionally, his daughter-in-law dies during childbirth, leaving his grandson, Ichabod, orphaned. The repercussions are not limited to the family alone - 37,000 families have lost their sons, brothers, fathers, and husbands. The spiritual dismay of Israel, a result of the loss of their high priests, is also significant. Furthermore, there is a looming fear of complete destruction as the glory of God has departed from the Tabernacle in Israel.

If you are a father or grandfather and you are reading this with me today, I hope you feel compelled to step up your game because your spiritual apathy affects others. Like Eli, you can sit around, get old, blind, and fat, and become apathetic in your old age. Or you can get into the spiritual game and start doing something.

My life was changed by a grandfather who refused to sit around in apathy in his old age. In his retirement, he taught me manners, self-care, and chivalry. He gave me driving lessons, taught me a work ethic, and demonstrated how to love, give, and forgive. He spiritually mentored me when I was desperate for a male role model. He tabernacled his life around my needs and then told me about a man who tabernacled his life on this earth to redeem my soul.

The Word became flesh and dwelt [tabernacled] among us, and we have seen his glory. — John 1:14.

Through Jesus, where there was no glory [Ichabod], glory was revealed. Fathers and grandfathers, start fulfilling your duty to reveal God's glory today before it's too late.

#RevealGodsGlory
#SpiritualLeadership
#FromIchabodToImmanuel

Ask This:

1. In what areas of your life do you see signs of spiritual apathy creeping in, and what steps can you take to actively cultivate a deeper connection with God?
2. Reflecting on the legacy of Eli and his family, how can you ensure that your actions today positively impact future generations spiritually, especially as a father or grandfather figure?

Do This:

Step Up Your Game.

Pray This:

Father, help me to recognize and overcome any spiritual apathy in my life, so that I may faithfully reveal Your glory in all that I do. Empower me to lead with wisdom and love, leaving a legacy that honors You and blesses future generations. Amen.

Play This:

Here Comes the Glory of the Lord.