If I had to pick a theme verse for this week’s reading, it would not be a verse from the text. Instead, I would pick 2 Timothy 3:5, which describes future unbelievers as “…having a form of godliness, but denying its power”.
I first see this in chapter 4. Israelite suffers a great defeat in battle at the hands of the Philistines. They decide that what they need to do to fix this, is to go to battle with the ark of the covenant. This is in stark contrast to Joshua 7, when Israel is defeated by Ai, and Joshua and the elders respond by repenting in dust and ashes.
Next we see this in the Philistines, who took the ark of the covenant. Again, it would seem that they have a form of godliness, having the very symbol of the presence of God with them. Yet, they clearly don’t have the power of the presence of God – at least, not in the way they think they do. Instead, they are struck with plagues.
I see this also in Israel’s demanding of a king. It is ironic that what Israel does in fact need is a King, but they already have one. However, they wanted to be like other nations and have a human king. So they settle for a form of godliness (having a visible king), but without the power of it (actually heeding God’s commands).
And, finally, I see this in Saul himself. Both in his unwise sacrifice (in chapter 13), and in his life in general, he seems to look like he’s following God, but he has his own agenda to fulfill. Again, the form of godliness, but lacking the actual power of it.
Of course, it’s hard to imagine me doing this in my own life….ok, maybe not. I must admit, have a strong tendency to try to do things that look spiritual – like, say, embarking on a 2-year intense Bible-reading program. And this certainly can have a good motive. But I think my motive fluctuates. Some days, I think that really is my intent. Sometimes I think I keep up with it because I think I would look bad if I didn’t.
May God give me a heart which truly seeks the power and privilege of honestly and fervently knowing Him.
