Ichabod's Remains

She named the boy Ichabod, saying, "The glory has departed from Israel." I Samuel 4:21, NIV

How would you like to be named “Ichabod?” In Hebrew it means “the glory (of God) has departed Israel.” No thanks. Not me, please.

Eli’s sons were priests, but corrupt. They took all the fat portions of the temple meat offerings for themselves. Eli didn’t hold them accountable. He never called them out on it. So, God did. God’s glory departed. It just up and left. Ouch.

I was sitting in my office a week or so ago and much to my amazement looked up to see the tree right outside my window. It freaked me out. The leaves had long turned their color and were now totally brown. Yet they hadn’t fallen off. The whole tree looked an eerie, droopy dead. Oh, please God, not on my watch. I don’t ever want to be an Ichabod.

Can you tell if you have an anointing?

I don’t want to serve unless I have an anointing. In other words, I don’t want to do this thing for God unless God is in it and all the way. I can try to do it in my own strength, but I will fail miserably. If I accomplish anything it will only be temporary. I need to know that God is with me.

Did you know you can be appointed but not anointed? Saul was. And it was why he had so much trouble.

I notice someone’s anointing when I see…

*Their heart for their people, that despite the challenges they still have a genuine love.

*A special ability to provide the kind of leadership for the right kind of situation.

*A synergy in worship, when a pastor has a gift of connecting God with the needs of God’s people.

*Preaching that isn’t a rambling theological diatribe, but a spiritual dart round straight to the heart.

Eli’s sons felt entitled…to a certain level of benefits. Our appointive system has its own equivalents and comparisons. “Forgive us, God, if we as spiritual leaders care more about what’s in it for us than we do for You, God, getting into the lives of your people.”

Don’t give up on us quite yet.