Title
When the Lord is Present Sin Must Flee
Scripture
When the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel shouted so loudly that the earth shook.
(1 Samuel 4:5)
Devotional
The presence of the Lord does not always bring the victory of the Lord; it often times brings the judgement of the Lord. Israel’s shout caused great fear among the Philistines for a while. Nevertheless, the Philistines routed themselves and defeated Israel. Even though Israel had the Ark of the Covenant (which represented the presence of the Lord) they were defeated because there was likewise sin in the camp. When God is present, sin must flee or judgement will come. God deals with sin severely. He will no tolerate it nor will He ignore it. Therefore because we belong to God, we, like ancient Israel will be judged when there is sin in our camps. Let us shout for joy at His presence. However, let us likewise deal with sin lest judgement comes. The enemy is afraid of the presence of the Lord. Nevertheless, the Lord may use him to chastise our disobedience.