ICHABOD

“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. And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken.” - 1 Samuel 4:21-22

I am amazed at the names given to babies these days. It seems like parents want to give their children unique names --- as if the child receives extra credit for having an unusual name. I don't think parents really think about the fact that the child has to grow up using that name. I once knew a grown woman who hated her first name because it was so unique.

In Biblical times, often the name of a child had a meaning that was prophetic of his life. Also, it wasn't unusual for a child's name to reflect an event at his or her birth. Such was the case with Ichabod.

Eli was priest of Israel. On the surface, it didn't seem like Eli was a bad man, but he refused to exercise discipline over his sons. His sons grew up to be very wicked men. Eli's sons abused the priesthood, using the position for manipulation, selfish gain and immorality. Eli refused to step in and stop the wickedness. As a result, Eli and his sons died the same day. Israel lost a hard fought battle. During the battle, Eli's sons died and the ark of the covenant was captured by the enemy. When word reached Eli about his sons and the ark, he fell, broke his neck and died.

The wife of one of Eli's sons was giving birth at the time word got back about the battle. The mother died in child birth. When the child was born, he was named, Ichabod, because the glory had departed from Israel. The name, Ichabod, literally means, "the glory has departed."

Sadly, it appears that the glory has departed in our day.

1. THE GLORY HAS DEPARTED FROM OUR CHURCHES

I can't help but think that we could accurately relabel most of our churches with the name, Ichabod. The glory has departed from most churches. On one hand, some churches encourage excesses that cannot be supported by Scripture. On the other hand, some churches are spiritually dead, showing no sign of any life. Whether it is strange fire or no fire, the cause is the same: the glory has departed.

What has happened to protracted revivals? What has happened to mass baptisms? What has happened to shouting in churches? I know the answer: the glory has departed. In some circles, it seems as though people are trying to manufacture the glory by having lighting shows and emotional entertainment. I guess their thinking is that if the Spirit doesn't move people, maybe a bass guitar will. Regardless, the glory has departed.

2. THE GLORY HAS DEPARTED FROM OUR COUNTRY

A politician recently made the remark that America has never been great. While some of us may disagree with his belief, I think we all can admit that America is not as great as she used to be. The glory has departed. The temptation is to blame everything on politicians. Certainly, they are responsible, to some degree, for America's woes, but when we dig deeper we realize that the real problem is sin. Our nation has embraced sin. Our country has celebrated sin, claiming that we've advanced as a civilization. Corruption, dishonesty, immorality, abortion, homosexuality and transgender rights are among the issues that our nation has tolerated and accepted. If we truly seek God's blessing on our country, we can't be silent or tolerant about issues that He has clearly condemned in His Word. The glory has departed.

3. THE GLORY HAS DEPARTED FROM OUR CITIZENS

While our nation has openly embraced wickedness, the glory has departed from families and individuals. Divorce is a common occurrence in America, even among professing Christians. Cohabitation is considered proper behavior. Drug use is out of control. Suicides are increasing. Racism and hatred is spreading like wildfire. Sexual and physical abuse is a regular headline in our news.

Like Eli's day, the glory has departed from America. Let's learn some lessons from Eli. Why did the glory depart from Israel during the days of Eli? Here are just a few reasons. First of all, there was unholy leadership. The priesthood was contaminated with sin. Eli's sons had desecrated the priesthood with their wicked ways. It is sad to hear about sexual abuse and sexual misconduct among those in leadership. Furthermore, it is shameful to hear of dishonesty, cover-ups and corruption among those in leadership. John Maxwell once said, "Everything rises and falls on leadership." Basically, the people follow the example of their leaders. Ron Dunn once said that the spiritual level of a church will never rise above the spiritual level of its pastor. Unholy leadership is a mark of God's judgment upon the people. Where there is unholy leadership, the glory quickly departs.

Secondly, there was idolatry among the people. The people were treating the Ark of the Covenant like a good-luck charm. They had abandoned God for the worship of the Ark. Today our idol may not be an Ark, but we worship sports, sex and success. In religious circles, we worship the church instead of Christ. Others worship music styles or denominational distinctives instead of the Lord. America is an idolatrous land. The glory has departed.

Finally, there was spiritual apathy in Israel. They were no longer passionate about God. They had gotten away from the things of the Lord. Here in America, we conveniently leave God at the church house until we need Him. Most Americans are religious. Some are even spiritual. Few are actively worshiping the Lord and obeying His Word. We have a nation of religious pagans. As a result, the glory has departed.

It is easy to point out the problems, but what is the solution? What can we do if the glory has departed? We need to recognize that God is sovereign. We cannot manipulate Him into doing what we want. There is no magical formula for this. Most preachers give a three, four or five step process to receive something from the Lord --- as if spiritual renewal is a recipe to follow. The fact is that God gives His blessings as He wishes and He can remove the glory any time He wishes.

While there is no formula for experiencing the glory once more, there are a few things that may make us candidates for a season of refreshing. First of all, we need to get desperate. We shouldn't be casual about the present situation. The glory has departed. Time is running out and the need is great. Secondly, we need to humble ourselves. We need to run to God in prayer. Don't be content with an Ichabod life. Don't deceive yourself into thinking that America is too great to fall. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and he shall lift you up." Finally, we need to repent. Turn to God and passionately seek Him.

When we turn from God, His glory departs. I would hate to have the name “Ichabod” describe my life, wouldn't you?

THE SIN OF SHOWING OFF

“And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.” - Isaiah 39:2

Hezekiah had been shown great mercy by the Lord. The Lord had protected him and his people from enemy invasion. God granted Hezekiah 15 extra years of life. Despite all of this, Hezekiah failed miserably when the Babylonian king sent an envoy to visit him. Hezekiah, in his pride, showed them the glory of his kingdom. In fact, the Bible says, “there was nothing in his house, nor in his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.” In other words, Hezekiah showed off to his visitors.

There is a tendency within our fallen nature to please or impress others. It is easy for us to show off. We are never too young or too old to show off. Youngsters show off to their peers. Adults show off their possessions. Businessmen want to flaunt their success. Rich people exhibit their excesses. Whether we want to admit it or not, we are all guilty of showing off.

The Christian community is not immune to showing off. Pastors like to show off the size of their ministry. Authors like to brag about the number of books they have written. Those with a social media presence are quick tell about their large following. I love Southern Gospel music, but I have to admit that bass singers often show off the depth of their vocal range --- usually at the end of a song. I've even known some who seem to brag about their humility!

Internationally, people have a dim view of Americans. They see us as proud, arrogant and gaudy. I have to admit that their view is rather accurate. We do seem to be rather pushy and flashy. We like to show off.

I've never heard a sermon about the sin of showing off. Hezekiah's failure is a Biblical lesson about this sin. Hezekiah's people had to pay dearly for his sin. Sadly, Hezekiah didn't have the remorse he should have. When he learned that the consequences of his actions would come to the nation after his death, he comforted himself that his image would be untarnished. Wow! That sounds like politicians today! They are more concerned about their image than the people they are serving.

Hezekiah's example proves that sin has far reaching effects. It is wrong to assume that personal sin only impacts your life. The penalty for sin may devastate many people around you. It did in Hezekiah's case.

Why is showing off such a bad thing? First of all, we show off because of pride. We want to draw attention to ourselves. We want to be noticed. We like to be praised. We enjoy the accolades of peers. Pride is a deceptive sin, because it based upon a false assumption that we deserve the applause of others.

Secondly, showing off is sinful because it robs God of the glory due Him. You see, if anything noteworthy is accomplished in your life, the Lord is the One who is responsible. James wrote that EVERY good and EVERY perfect gift comes from the Lord. God has given us unique gifts, talents and abilities. He has arranged circumstances to work in our favor. He has done miraculous things in our lives so that He will be glorified through us. What do we do with these blessings? We want to flaunt them arrogantly in front of others --- as if we are self-made individuals. How would you like it if someone took credit for something you did? That is exactly what we are doing when we show off.

Finally, showing off is sinful because it taints our Christian testimony. If we are honest, we must admit that what we really deserve is hell. We are God's children only because of His grace. We have nothing to boast of. As His children, we are called to be like Jesus. Of all people, Jesus had reason to show off --- but He didn't. Yes, He performed miracles. He drew large crowds. He met numerous needs. Yet He often retreated from the crowds. His ultimate mission was to go to a cross and die in shame. Jesus didn't show off and we shouldn't either.

Although Jesus didn't show off during His earthly ministry, be aware that one day He is coming in glory. He has a glorious home that His children will see. Remarkably, He is going to share it with us. When we behold Him that day, we will have nothing to brag about. We won't be showing off. Instead, we'll be giving all the praise to Jesus.

Instead of showing off, let's tell people about our wonderful Lord. Let's brag on Jesus. And may we live in such a way that He will be seen in us!!!

WHAT'S WRONG WITH CHURCH?

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” - Hebrews 10:25

These days, it isn't uncommon for most professing believers to be absent from church on Sunday morning. If the truth were told, a large percentage of church members rarely, if ever, attend their own church.

It is rather common to hear excuses like, “I don't have to go to church to be a Christian,” or “I can worship God just as well while I'm fishing as I can in church.” They think these are spiritual arguments. What they fail to understand is how far off the mark their thinking really is.

To be honest, local churches are imperfect. Each church has an imperfect pastor, imperfect deacons, imperfect Sunday School teachers and imperfect members. A few churches have strayed from the Biblical truth and should be avoided at all cost. However, most churches in the area where I live have good pastors who are faithfully preaching the Word. Yes, mistakes are made by churches and those who lead them. However, the key is to follow the perfect Son of God. If you are a critic of local churches, I have a word for you. You aren't perfect yourself, so stop nitpicking about imperfections that you see in a church.

To be rather blunt, some church members have dropped out of church because they were never saved to begin with. You can't expect wheat and tares to enjoy fellowship together. Some aren't satisfied unless they are entertained and have an emotional “high” every week. For many, Jesus is no longer the main attraction. Instead, His Name is used as a means to an end. They want the main attraction to be entertaining music, exciting programs and a brief motivational speech.

But that is not what Church is for. Church is not about having religious fun or spiritual entertainment. At least it shouldn't be. The local church is a place where believers of that community gather to worship publicly, experience Christian fellowship and hear God's Word proclaimed. The local church is place where the ordinances of communion and baptism are observed. The local church is place where believers may use their spiritual gifts for the glory of God.

Many want the church to be available for family weddings and funerals. They expect to use facilities for social or civic functions --- but they are noticeably absent when it comes to public worship. They want the church to be there for them, but they have no intention of being there for the church. Hypocritical, isn't it?

I think it is time for all professing Christians to put up or shut up. If you claim to follow Jesus, then act like it. It is time for every believer to be in church on a regular basis. Here are a few reasons why you get back in church.

1. JESUS ESTABLISHED THE CHURCH

Sometimes I hear people say, “I don't believe in organized religion.” I feel like responding, “Do you believe in unorganized religion?” The fact is that Jesus established the church, not men. The Church is a God-ordained organism. If He started the church, shouldn't you be part of it?

2. JESUS DIED FOR THE CHURCH

Jesus loved the church to the extent that He died for the church. If Jesus loved the church, shouldn't we? Shouldn't a believer be passionate about the same things Jesus was? He died for the church. That is how important the church is to Him.

3. GOD COMMANDS THAT WE ATTEND CHURCH

Hebrews 10:25 instructs believers to assemble publicly. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Churchless Christianity is really nothing more than rebellion and sin.

4. EARLY BELIEVERS WERE PART OF A LOCAL CHURCH

When you read the book of Acts, you'll see that believers were involved in a local church. We don't read of churchless believers in the book of Acts. The early saints felt that the local church was important. Their example should inspire us.

5. THE CHURCH IS A PLACE FOR CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

We need the encouragement and inspiration that other believers offer. Furthermore, there are times we need to be giving the encouragement. We need each other. No Christian is meant to go through life alone.

6. CHURCH ATTENDANCE GIVES TESTIMONY TO YOUR FAITH

I can't see how professing believers can be very effective in winning souls to Jesus if they are not even faithful to a local church themselves. What a horrible testimony it is to claim to be following Jesus and yet not be a faithful church member.

7. CHURCH IS IMPORTANT FOR THE GENERATIONS TO COME

It is important for you to BRING your children to church with you each week. If you don't attend church regularly yourself, you are teaching your children to do the same. If you aren't faithfully attending church, don't be shocked to see your children and grandchildren living sinfully … and dying without Christ.

I am sure there are many more reasons I could give, but why should I? Aren't these enough? You may agree with me in theory, but you need to do more than just agree. You need to get in church yourself. Plan ahead. Get your clothes ready. Have your mind set. Attend the next service … and continue to do so in the future.

I realize that there are bedridden people who are physically unable to go to church and others who have jobs that demand that they work while church services are being conducted. This message is not aimed for these individuals. However, most people who are out of church do not fall into these categories and if you are among them, it is time to change your ways.

What's wrong with the church? There's nothing wrong with the church. However, if you continue to stay out of church, there is something wrong with you.

CATCHING NOTHING

“... that night they caught nothing.” - John 21:3

There is nothing more frustrating for a fisherman than to spend hours fishing and never catching a fish. Some fishermen are known for embellishing the truth when it comes to their fishing expeditions. They come back with these long yarns about the size of fish they caught or dramatic stories of the fish that got away. Yet John 21:3 records that the disciples went fishing and “that night they caught nothing.” The late Vance Havner said that this was one fishing story he believed!

Keep in mind that most of the disciples on board the ship that night were professional fishermen. They fished for a living. They weren't amateurs who simply dabbled in the sport. These were men who had years of experience at fishing. Yet this night, they had empty nets.

Have you ever felt that way about life? Perhaps you feel that way now. Maybe you are discouraged because things aren't going well with your job or career. It could be that you are disheartened as you see your plans and dreams crumble around you. Perhaps you're in ministry and you feel that you are seeing little or no fruit after years of hard labor. It may very well be that you are very depressed as you look at your life and feel that nothing good has come from your years of hard work. If so, there is much to learn from the disciple's awful night of fishing.

One thing we learn about their frustrating night is that they were not in the will of God. You see, several of them had left their nets to follow Jesus. Now that Jesus had died, they went back to fishing. Does this sound familiar? It could be that you are not doing what you know you should be doing. These men were disciples of Jesus. He had called them to fish for men, not casting a net in the sea. One reason that we have empty nets is because we are casting our nets for all the wrong things.

Secondly, they failed miserably because they were fishing in their own effort. When they heeded the words of Jesus, things changed drastically. Another reason that we may be having empty nets is because we are laboring in our own strength. In John 15:5, Jesus said, “Without me ye can do nothing.” It is an exercise in futility for a follower of Jesus to do things apart from the Lord's blessing and help. We need to seek the Lord, respect His Word, and obey His commands. When we trust God and obey His Word, we will find the nets getting full.

Next, they failed because they refused to learn from the past. In Luke chapter 5, Simon Peter met Jesus as he was finishing a night of fishing. Simon Peter had fished all night and had caught nothing. As Peter expressed his frustrations, Jesus told him to launch out into the deep and cast his net. When he obeyed the Lord, his nets were full. Now, some time later, Peter is at it again. He has fished without the Lord's help and ended up with empty nets. He failed to learn from his past experience. It is truly a foolish thing to repeat failed procedures and expect positive results. We are in the schoolroom of life and the Lord is our teacher. Some of us need to finally learn the lessons He's been trying to teach us.

Also, the disciples found that the Word of the Lord makes a difference. Jesus spoke the word, “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.” After a long night of futile fishing, it didn't make sense to simply cast the net on the right side of the ship. Yet a word from God makes all the difference in the world. When the disciples obeyed the word of the Lord and cast their net on the right side of the ship, they caught so much fish that their net was overwhelmed with fish. Many people are catching nothing in their nets and yet their Bibles continue to collect dust. No wonder their nets are empty.

Finally, when their net was full, they recognized that it was the Lord who was behind their great catch. How many of us have seen God do miracles … and then failed to give Him proper praise? When your nets are full, do you give God the glory, or do you simply brag about your fishing skills? If you fail to give God the praise for past victories, don't be surprised if your victories get few and far between.

What should you do when you have empty nets? Certainly there may be a myriad of answers to this question because every person's situation may be different. I think there are some basic things that we should do when we have empty nets. First of all, seek the Lord. Start your day in God's Word. There is great insight in His Word. Every morning, get on your knees and ask Him for help and wisdom. Secondly, learn from the past and learn from others. More than likely, you've had empty nets before. What lessons did you learn from these experiences? Also, others have had seasons when their nets were empty. What can you learn from their experiences? Third, keep your nets in the water. You'll never catch fish when your nets are in the boat. Keep the nets in the sea. In other words, keep living for Jesus and obeying His Word. Finally, give God all the praise when your nets get full again. He deserves all the credit.

Never be content with empty nets. Seek God. Trust Him. Obey His Word. Let God fill your nets once again!