God's Side

The Israelite army was camped near Ebenezer, and the Philistines were at Aphek. The Philistines attacked and defeated the army of Israel, killing 4,000 men. After the battle was over, the troops retreated to their camp, and the elders of Israel asked, "Why did the LORD allow us to be defeated by the Philistines?" Then they said, "Let's bring the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD from Shiloh. If we carry it into battle with us, it will save us from our enemies." (1 Samuel 4:1-3 NLT)

The Israelite army is about to make a colossal mistake.  They are at war against God's enemies, to be sure.  But they haven't been doing things God's ways.  To be more specific, their leaders haven't been doing things God's ways.  Saul has already been told the kingdom will be taken from him.  Eli has already been told that his role as High Priest will be taken away from him and his boys because of their blatant disobedience.  They are all going against God.  You simply cannot pick God as an enemy and win.

The army thought they were doing the right thing by asking God's favor on their next battle.  They retrieved the Ark of the Covenant - the closest thing they have to God being right there with them.  They took the ark in to battle.  How did it turn out?

So the Philistines fought desperately, and Israel was defeated again. The slaughter was great; 30,000 Israelite soldiers died that day. The survivors turned and fled to their tents. The Ark of God was captured, and Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were killed. (1 Samuel 4:10-11 NLT)

When the messenger mentioned what had happened to the Ark of God, Eli fell backward from his seat beside the gate. He broke his neck and died, for he was old and overweight. He had been Israel's judge for forty years. (1 Samuel 4:18 NLT)

Saul, Eli, and even the Israelite army made the same mistake that we repeat over and over again.  We enter our days expecting to do what we had planned.  We might even try to do things right by asking God to bless our breakfast, our day, and our plans.  When things don't work out, though, we get disappointed or upset because God didn't grant our requests.  Maybe our attitudes should be more like Abraham Lincoln's when a preacher mentioned to him that he hopes God is on our side.  Lincoln replied, "...it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord's side."

Maybe we would all be a little better off if we would simply strive to be on God's side, rather than trying to convince Him to be on ours.