MARCH 28 – Reading 87

by John Christian Pra | March 28

“WHO IS LIKE THE LORD?”
(1 Samuel 4:2 – 7:1)

“Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God?”– 1 Samuel 6:20

One of the greatest dangers in a Christian’s life is becoming too familiar with God. Whenever you find yourself becoming casual with God or complacent in your walk with Him, pause, get back into His Presence, and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. This curse of familiarity happened far too often in Israel and it cost them dearly.

Today’s passage brings us into the heart of a low point in Israel’s history. The sons of the priest are corrupt. The Israelites lose a battle to the Philistines in an embarrassing fashion after they presume God is going to win the battle for them. The ark of the covenant (the dwelling place of God’s Presence) is captured. Eli, the priest, dies after hearing the ark has been taken. His daughter-in-law gives birth and names her son, “God is Gone”. 

All of this occurs because God became familiar to them. Instead of seeking God and what He desired, they presumed they knew and tried to use Him for their purposes. After everything, the place of God’s Presence is now gone.

For Israel, this seemed like the end of the world. Yet, even though the ark of the covenant was captured, God Himself was not. The Presence of God in the camp of the Philistines was too powerful for them too. Eventually, they are doing everything they can to get rid of God’s presence due to the plagues and chaos that came from Him being around. Even their god, Dagon, has his head and hands cut off simply by being in the same room as the ark.

Over and over, the power of God’s Presence is being revealed to us, and the reality that He will not be controlled or contained. We need to be reminded that God is not like any other. God is greater than any force coming against your life. He is stronger than any enemy you may face. He is more vital to your life than you may recognize. He is holy and there is no one like Him.

Simple Truth:
God is greater than we believe, and when we come before Him, we need to remember who it is that we are approaching. A God who will not be used by us for our own pleasure. A God who is able to destroy false gods without a contest. A God who desires to be with His people, but will let us feel His absence to remind us of our need for Him. Who is like the Lord?

Reflections: 

  • Do you find yourself becoming familiar with God?
  • How does familiarity with God impact your desire for Him? 
  • What are some ways you can cultivate a reverence for God in your life?

Application: 

  • God is holy and greater than we can imagine – how you approach Him matters. 
  • God is not to be used for what we desire, but rather we should align ourselves to what He desires.
  • There is no enemy that can withstand the power of our God.
  • God desires to be in the midst of His people, but He refuses to be secondary in our lives.

Closing Prayer: 
Father, thank You for the invitation You have given me to know You and live with You. I ask today You would forgive me for becoming too familiar with Your Presence. Remind me today of Your greatness, holiness, and majesty. I repent for seeking to use You for my own will instead of surrendering to Your will. Teach me to love You more and desire Your presence in a stronger way in my life. Show me Your glory and reveal to me in a deeper way who You are. There is no one like You, Jesus. Amen.



About our Author

John Christian Pra is a devoted husband to his lovely wife, Alina. Pastor JC is born and raised in Bergen County, spent some years in Virginia for college, and is back pursuing his calling where he grew up. Ever since the Lord changed his life, his heart’s desire has been to see people come to know the love of Jesus in a tangible way and live wholeheartedly for Him. Since 2022, John Christian has served as the Next Gen pastor at Transformation Life Church and during that time has had a longing to see generations of disciples be raised up and live passionately for Christ. During his time off, Pastor JC loves to spend time with his wife, eat delicious food, read good books, study God’s Word, play basketball, enjoy community, and brew delicious coffee.

READ MORE

April 23 – Reading 113

APRIL 23 - Reading 113by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr | April 23“THE DANGER OF A DIVISIVE SPIRIT”(2 Samuel 19:1-20:26; Psalms 6:1-10; 9:1-20) “Now there happened to be a worthless man, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjaminite. And he blew the trumpet and...

April 22 – Reading 112

APRIL 22 - Reading 112by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr | April 22“THE TRAGIC END OF REBELLION”(2 Samuel 16:23 - 18:33; Psalm 17:1-15) “And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, ‘O my son Absalom, my son,...

April 21 – Reading 111

APRIL 21 - Reading 111by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr | April 21“THE SPIRIT OF ABSALOM – A WARNING AGAINST REBELLION”(2 Samuel 15:1-16:22; Psalm 3:1-8) “And Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” — 2 Samuel 15:6 Perhaps one of the most tragic stories of the...