But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof.
I see evidence of God’s grace, even upon the Philistines and even upon the priests of the Philistines idol, Dagon. When they placed the ark of the covenant of the Lord in the temple of Dagon:
First, the idol fell to its face before the ark
The priests did what idol worshipers do; they picked him up. Blinded by the devil, they refuse to see the worthlessness of that which they have created as their god.
Next day the idol was fallen and broken
Significantly, it was the head and hands broken off. An idol is incapable of picking itself up. Incapable of offering any wisdom or seeing any need. Incapable of helping its worshippers in the least.
The priests were complicit in the offense between God and this idol, and so
Next day the hand of the Lord was heavy upon the men of Ashdod.
Many died. Many others were stricken with disease.
I am thankful for the grace of God that patiently waits for us to see Him and turn from our idols. But I am also reminded that He does not withhold forever. There comes a moment where repentance is demanded, or judgment begins. There will come a day when all things will not continue as they are,[1] but the wrath of God will be poured out upon the children of disobedience.
I look forward to that blessed hope of our reward. However, I dread what it will mean to those who do not know the Lord.
[1] 2 Peter 3:4 (KJV)
And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
To my readers:
Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
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