The Glory Has Left the Room (1st Samuel 4:1-22)

In 1st Samuel 4, we come to one of the darkest moments in Israel's story: the ark of God is captured, Eli dies, and the cry goes up, "The glory has departed from Israel." But the deeper problem wasn't that Israel had lost the ark—it was that they had tried to use God rather than worship God. As we consider Israel's "Thou Art Useful" faith, we'll be challenged to ask whether we love God for what He gives us or simply because He is worthy. And we'll see the surprising hope of the Gospel: the God who allowed His glory to be shamed in 1st Samuel ultimately takes shame upon Himself in Christ so that His glory—and His gracious presence—might dwell with His people.