I Samuel 6:3
“They said, ‘If you’re going to send the Chest of the God of Israel back, don’t just dump it on them. Pay compensation. Then you will be healed. After you’re in the clear again, God will let up on you. Why wouldn’t he?’””
““’Send the Ark of the God of Israel back with a gift,’ they were told. ‘Send a guilt offering so the plague will stop. Then if you are healed, you will know it was his hand that caused the plague.’””
The Message – The Philistines sought to undo the damage caused by their capture of the Ark. Their elders and priests suggested they use money to placate Israel’s God. After all, gods are greedy and their God will respond nicely if you pay him off. Pagan gods have human characteristics because they are created in man’s image. Israel’s God is completely other than human. Man is created in his image. The Philistines should have looked to the character of the One who unseated Dagon, not tried to purchase his favor. Perhaps some did!
Lord, your work amongst us is vast. I cannot imagine all the ways you have met each person who ever lived, revealing yourself as they could understand. You are faithful to pagans and we believers alike, calling all to repentance and the wide-open world of walking with you. I praise you. I love you.