My Glory to Another

The early part of 1 Samuel shows what happens when humanity treats God with contempt - how he reacts, and how we respond to his judgement. It shows that God remains faithful in spite of our unfaithfulness. It began with the priests (when worship is corrupted that affects the rest of society). Israel was not like other nations in that it was in covenant with God. At this time, when God left them to their enemies, they did not admit fault or look for an explanation in his Word - they made an idol. They Philistines took the symbol of God's presence and placed it before their idol as a trophy - claiming that the God of Israel was no match for their gods. Sin always belittles God. Since the Garden of Eden Satan has been portraying ultimate reality as something other than the existence and attributes of God. God dealt with this contempt by judging their gods (as he did in Egypt). He says, "I will not give my glory to another." As humans we are encouraged to overlook faults. But God is in a different category - the alternative would be to have truth extinguished, beauty covered over, integrity lost, and the source of life and happiness stopped up. When we realise that we agree that God must not give his glory to another. He must assert himself. It was only when the people went into denial about his judgement of their gods that he judged them also. But they did not humble themselves - unbroken pride leads to broken people. Neither God's Law not his judgements give us a new heart (see Rev. 16:10-22). Their reaction was to send him away. But God is faithful. He gave his people a longing to have him back and rescued them. He has kept his promise of a Saviour and accepts the penitent