There is not much celebration when glory has disappeared. I have watched athletes compete after experiencing the loss of a loved one. They won the competition, and then wept for the loss, more that celebrating the victory.
“21And she named the child Ichabod, saying, ‘The glory has departed from Israel!’ because the ark of God has been capture and because of her father-in-law and her husband. 22And she said, ‘The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured.” – 1 Samuel 4:21-22 (ESV)
As I have watched the athletes weep for the loss of a loved one, and compare that to the loss of the ark of God, there is no comparison. Look at the daughter-in-law of Eli as she is not even concerned at all with the birth of her son. The ark of God is so much more of a concern that the name she gives her son, Ichabod, according to my ESV commentary, means “where is the glory?”
What a perspective for us to view. Nothing is as glorious as the glory of the Lord. This world and all in it does not measure up to God. If that was noted before, why is it not noted today?
Where are we in our walk with Christ? Is the glory of the Lord as precious to us now as in Biblical Time? How much are we celebrating and is it worth it without the glory of the Lord?
Trevor's Thoughts 