EPIC Daily Reading

EPIC: The Story of God
Wednesday, March 11

The Ark Captured 
1 Samuel 3-5



Summary:
 As a boy, Samuel hears God speak to him for the first time.  From this
time on, Samuel is God’s messenger. As an adult, everyone in Israel
recognized that Samuel was a true prophet of God. The Ark of the
Covenant was Israel’s most precious possession.  A copy of
the law was kept inside it. Its lid was the mercy seat, a symbol
of the presence of God.When Israel goes to war with the
Philistines and are badly beaten, the Israelites
bring the Ark into the next battle with them. They think
that they could use it as a talisman,  manipulating
God into giving them a battlefield victory.

The Philistines defeated Israel again and took ownership
of the Ark and displayed it like a trophy in a pagan temple.
Each town that the Ark was moved to was afflicted
with disease.

Sample of Today’s Reading
Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the
LORD had not yet been revealed to him. 8 The LORD
called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and
went to Eli and said, “Here I am ; you called me.
“Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy.
9 So Eli told Samuel, :Go and lie down, and if he calls
you, say, “Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening”
So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as
at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your
servant is listening.”

To read today's full reading click here: 1 Samuel 3-5

Question of the Day
Have you ever had a direct experience with God?

Prayer Focus:
I want my heart to be ready to hear you today, Lord. 
Help me to know your voice and to follow you.