1 Samuel 4, 5 and 6 tell of the result of Eli’s sons’ sin. The Philistines come against Israel. The Israelites cry out to have the Ark of the Covenant brought to them for protection in battle. Eli’s sons bring the ark to the camp and when the Philistines hear of it they become frightened but instead of fleeing they are determined to fight.

The Philistines defeat Israel, kill Eli’s sons and capture the ark. A messenger brings Eli the news. Eli is distraught over the capture of the ark, falls backward and dies. Eli’s daughter-in-law is pregnant and upon hearing of Eli’s and her husband’s deaths goes into labor. Before she dies she names the baby Ichabod which means “The glory has departed from Israel,” because the ark was captured.

The Philistines put the ark next to their god Dagon. When the people of the town enter Dagon’s house they find their god destroyed. The people are afflicted with tumors and beg to have the ark removed. Everywhere the ark goes it wreaks havoc. Finally the Philistines demand that it be sent back to Israel. Their priests suggest that they also send a guilt offering with it. They remind the people about what happened to the Egyptians when they did not honor the God of Israel. The Philistines send the ark to Beth-shemesh to the field of Joshua. The people set the ark on a stone and make a sacrifice. Some of the people are not happy that the ark has been returned to them and the Lord kills 70 men from them. They ask that the ark be moved back to its place.

God’s promise to Eli is fulfilled but in the process the ark is moved out of Israel. God shows his power against the Philistines. To their credit they recognize His power even though they do not become believers. God continues to deal with the sin in Israel that the sons of Eli have propagated. There is still some disbelief among His chosen people.

Mark 10 begins with the Pharisees questioning Jesus regarding divorce. Jesus acknowledges that God allowed divorce because of human hardness of heart but that it is God’s intention that marriage last. He explains to his disciples that this kind of divorce causes both parties to commit adultery.

The disciples prohibit some children to come to Jesus but he rebukes them. He tells them everyone must become like a child to enter God’s kingdom and blesses each of them.

A man comes to Jesus and asks how to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to obey the commandments. The man says that he has. Then Jesus tells him he must give up everything he has and follow him. The man leaves dejected because he has many possessions. Jesus tells his disciples that it is hard for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of heaven. The disciples ask who can be saved if not those who are blessed with wealth. Jesus says that for us it is impossible but for God everything is possible. Peter tries to boast that he and the disciples have given up everything but Jesus stops him and says that those who follow him will be blessed but also will have persecutions.

They are heading toward Jerusalem and Jesus tells the disciples what will happen to him there. Almost as though they were not listening James and John ask him if they may sit next to him in glory. Jesus says they must go through the same thing he is going to go through. They say they will. Jesus agrees that they will undergo hardship but that the seats next to him are not for him to grant. The others become angry with James and John; none of them has understood. Jesus tells them that unlike the Gentiles whose leaders rule over them he has come to serve. They must also serve if they are to become like him.

They come to Jericho and meet a blind man Bartimaeus. Jesus heals him because of his faith.

The disciples are struggling with what it truly means to follow Jesus now that he has started revealing the sacrifices involved. They enjoyed the crowds, the power, the adulation, now they are beginning to understand the true cost. They still think it is all about having fame and power when it is really about serving and sacrifice. The story of the rich man is not about his money it is about his willingness to give up everything to follow. Those who follow Jesus must be willing to use everything they have to accomplish his will. Those who have much must turn over much. All must give everything. Even the disciples, who gave up their way of life to follow Jesus, have not yet given up their pride and ego. They still need to give up much to truly follow Jesus as do we.