And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod. When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again. And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him. Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day. (1 Samuel 5:1-5).
Today's Morsel: Living in Japan, I became accustom to bowing instead of shaking hands when greeting someone. I learned that the situation or who you were greeting would determined just how far you bowed down. For example, I once saw a taxi driver do an illegal turn in the street. He didn't see the police coming, and as soon as he did the illegal turn the police put their lights on and pulled him over. The taxi driver was very repentant for his actions and the police gave him a warning. Each time the policeman said something to the taxi driver, the the taxi driver bowed further and further down. Not only was he repentant, but he was showing very deep respect and honor for not receiving a traffic violation as it may have cost him his license.
When the Philistines took the Ark of God from the Israelites, they brought it and placed in the same house as their false god Dagon. And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again. And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him. What a fulfillment of scripture, "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11). Even false gods know and have to bow at the name of Jesus. There is no god like our God.
John said,"And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4:8-11).
My friend, if false gods know the rules of engagement, then when Jesus is in our midst and presence, we too should honor Him.
Sing: What a mighty God we serve! What a mighty God we serve! Angels bow before Him, heaven and earth adore Him; What a mighty God we serve!
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