1 Samuel 7:2
Time went by until twenty years had passed since the ark had been taken to Kiriath-jearim. Then the whole house of Israel longed for the LORD.

 
 
Something really tragic happened to these erstwhile saints. Although they were the redeemed of the Lord, a chosen generation and covenant people, they still went for 20 years without enjoying the presence of God. For Scripture says in those days the word of God and prophetic visions were extremely rare (see 1 Samuel 3:1).
 
It’s tragic that they went about their lives “normally” without the benefit of God’s guidance. For a long time it didn’t bother them that God was silent. They were happy to live without divine revelation. They were comfortable living like heathens. Pagans worshipped idols and so did the redeemed people. Gentiles lived in sin and so did the Jews then. There was no longer any distinction between saint and sinner!
 
Does that sound familiar? Of course, it does. That’s the state of today’s church nowadays! Many believers today are happy to live just like sinners. We make decisions without the benefit of God’s guidance. His word and His voice are rare in our lives. We compromise our values and ethics just like the worst of sinners. We hate, fight and lie just like any typical sinner. God forbid!
 
I plead with the church today that we must not wait for 20 years before beginning to long for God as Israel did. Let us not tolerate a spirituality devoid of God’s presence. Let us reject a godless Christianity. Say no to a dry, deaf and dead faith. Reject a nominal spirituality.
 
Pastor Josh