Truth #72 - Apathy of faith will result in a crisis of faith - 1 Samuel 1-5

1 Samuel 4:21-22
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.”

The story of Eli, his rebellious sons and his daughter-in-law is a picture of life in Israel at the time of Samuel's birth.  El was the priest and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were serving with him, yet lived a life a debauchery and were sexual deviants.  When the nation went to war they requested that the two sons, as spiritual leaders, and the ark of God would be brought to the battle sight.  However, that would backfire, as God did not and does not honor hypocrisy.   Instead, the sons are killed in battle and the ark is taken captive by the Philistines.   On that day, 30,000 soldiers of Israel died.    When spiritual leaders die spiritually, those they lead are at risk physically.  The boys were corrupt and their father, the leader of the land, did not restrain them (1 Samuel 3:13).  Eli thought his position would protect his boys.   Eli, as the spiritual leader thought that God would honor him and his family and his nation, without obedience and without spiritual truth.   But, God demands that we worship Him in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:24).  We can all get into a place of our position in Christ and think that we are safe.   The daughter-in-law of Eli appropriately named her child "Ichabod" (The glory has departed), because God does not honor those who do not stand with Him and for Him.   Our position does not guarantee our blessing when we are absent in the act of obedience and fellowship with Him!!  Note the following warning from Paul:

1 Corinthians 10:12-14
Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

In contrast to Eli this young lady was at least sensitive enough to realize that God had left Israel.  He husband and father-in-law didn't realize the lack of spiritual functions and died.  The truth is Ichabod can happen when we fail to allow our faith in God to grow and to flourish in more pursuit of Him.   Apathy in faith will eventually result in a crisis of faith.