The team star

When the survivors came back to camp, the leaders of Israel said, ‘Why did the Lord let the Philistines defeat us today? Let’s go and bring the LORD’S Covenant Box from Shiloh, so that he will go with us and save us from our enemies.’ So they sent messengers to Shiloh and got the Covenant Box of the LORD Almighty, who is enthroned above the winged creatures. And Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, came along with the Covenant Box. (verses 3,4)

Read 1 Samuel 4:1–11

How many movies have you seen where the team’s number one player is unable to play in the biggest game of the team’s life? Team spirit is shattered and defeat is assured by half time. The team just hasn’t got the will or the belief that they can be victorious.

But then the team star returns. Belief in the possibility of victory is restored. The team star, just by sheer presence, breathes life and courage back into the team, and they play the game with big hearts and trust in each other.

The Israelites found out time and time again that the presence of the Lord was their only hope for victory over all the enemies and obstacles they faced. They knew where to go on this day when they were confronted by a formidable foe. They sought the presence of the Lord. We can do the same.

Let’s seek the presence of the Lord Jesus, our team star, who gives us courage, faith and, above all, assured victory over all and everyone that would harm us.

Lord Jesus Christ, be in me and around me today and give me confidence in your victory on the cross for me and for the whole world. Amen.

by Adrian Kitson, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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