Glory Gone

1 Samuel 4:21 And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband. It was a terrible day in Israel. The Philistines had soundly defeated them in battle, and they took the ark of the covenant. Eli and his two sons were dead, and the wife of Phinehas died while she was giving birth to Ichabod, which means "the glory is departed". The reality was that Israel had turned from the Lord before this day ever came, and the lost ark was just an after effect of their rebellion. It was surely a day of dread and fear as word spread that God was gone. What a contrast we have with the coming of God's Son Jesus! The angels sang the good news of the gospel, and those with discerning hearts rejoiced at the announcement of Immanuel "God with us"! What a gracious God He is, for this world is no better than the rebellious people of Israel. As His people, let us take every opportunity to walk with Him and talk with Him, enjoying the fellowship that is possible because of the finished work of Jesus Christ. God's glory is among us!