Does God take sides?

Last Sunday we asked this question and had a brief look at the evidence. In any conflict each side usually thinks that God is on theirs. In 1 samuel 2:12-25 we read how God will no longer allow the people who were supposed to represent him, were oppressing the people who came to worship. These priests chose not to reflect the character of God to others, and had effectively excluded themselves from God's blessing. We then read that God is about to do something shocking (1 Sam 3:11-14).

The Israelites go out to fight the Philistines and are defeated. Where is their God? They just got beat. Before round 2 they decide to use their secret weapon, their trump card, their mascot: the ark of the covenant. The ark was so much more than this but this is almost the regard that the people have for this symbol of God's loving presence amongst his people.

The people think that with this box they can guarantee God to fight on their sides. The problem is: You cannot manipulate God. Using the ark of the covenant as a means to ensure a military victory is attempting to manipulate YHWH. God’s grace was being abused. The ark was being used as an idol, the people were trying to twist God’s character into their own.

God does the unexpected, the ark is captured. And just when the Philistines thinkthat they have captured God, they realise that this God is not like the gods they are familiar with (1 Sam 4-5).

God will not be exploited. Don’t think that we can pick God to play on our team. God plays by different rules. Time and again he has caused a revolution against the religion that he instigated.

So does God take sides?

We read these verses:Ex 19:3-6, Joshua 5:13-15, Psalm 124, Romans 2:11. And then we read Hannah's song in 1 Sam 2:6-8. My belief is this:

God does not take sides. Except against evil and oppression. God will always fight for the weak and helpless the victims and the vulnerable. Why? Because they have no one else to stand up for them.

God stands with the oppressed and the poor. In Jesus day the Pharisees thought that God was on their Side. The general idea was that if you were wealthy it showed how God had blessed you, and how he was for you. If you were poor or sick it showed that God had abandoned you. Jesus came on the scene and turned this opinion upside down.

Whose side are you on?

Are you working with God in his revolution of love? Are you cooperating with him? Are you and I partners with a God of love and compassion? Are you still "determined to use the weapon of love" (-Bono)? Are you willing to be a blessing to others, or, by your actions, are you bringing cursing to others?