TEXT: " 1 Samuel 5:1-4
[1] "After the Philistines captured the Ark of God, they took it from the battleground at Ebenezer to the town of Ashdod.
[2]They carried the Ark of God into the temple of Dagon and placed it beside an idol of Dagon.
[3]But when the citizens of Ashdod went to see it the next morning, Dagon had fallen with his face to the ground in front of the Ark of the lord! So they took Dagon and put him in his place again.
[4]But the next morning the same thing happened—Dagon had fallen face down before the Ark of the lord again. This time his head and hands had broken off and were lying in the doorway. Only the trunk of his body was left intact."
MAN - MADE IDOLS
Dagon was the god of the Philistines. When Samson was captured, they attributed their victory to Dagon and worshipped it. "The Philistine rulers held a great festival, offering sacrifices and praising their god, Dagon. They said, “Our god has given us victory over our enemy Samson!”
(Judges 16:23). The Spirit of God departed from Samson because he disobeyed God repeatedly. He was captured by the enemy and tortured because of sin. When the presence of God departs from a man, evil spirits have opportunity to afflict, torment and possess such a person. King Saul is a good example (1 Sam 16:14). The Holy Spirit of God and sin cannot share the same temple. Your body is the temple of God (1 Cor 16:19). Don't allow sin rob you of God's presence and protection. The enemy will not triumph and celebrate over you in Jesus name. Sin will not have dominion over your life and destiny in Jesus name.
THE FALL OF DAGON
The Israelites continued their sinful ways as the children of Eli brought dishonour to the office of the priesthood. With sin soiled hands, they carried to Ark of God (Symbol of God's presence) to the battlefield, but they were soundly defeated. The Ark of God was captured.by the enemy. The Philistines celebrated and took the Ark of God to the temple of their god, Dagon. They placed the Ark beside an idol of their god. The wrath of God was kindled against Dagon as it fell face down before the Ark. They picked it up and repositioned it but the next morning it had fallen face down again with it's head and limbs cut off. God afflicted the Philistines with tumour wherever they took the Ark of God in their desperation to get rid of it. They eventually sent it back to Israel with peace offerings. Whatever altar of evil, hunters of destinies take your name or picture or that of your family members; God will afflict them and their gods with terror in Jesus name.
THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD
When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they had to hid from God's presence as their nakedness was revealed. The devil is always looking for opportunities to separate us from the presence of God through temptations to commit sin. He is never tired of trying, but God neither sleeps nor slumbers because of his children (Ps 121:4). God made a promise that He will never leave nor forsake you (Heb 13:5). It is only sin on your part that can break that promise. God is ever faithful and merciful. He will forgive us if we confess our sins because He has made provisions for our cleansing with the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7-10). The mercy of God and the blood of Jesus will speak for you in your time of need in Jesus name. "...When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him in Jesus name (Isa 59:19).
GOD IS THE FINAL AUTHORITY
God will always have the final say, no matter what. Just be on the righteous side of God and watch as every representation of 'Dagon' fall flat on their faces before the awesome presence of God in your life.
PRAYER:
Father, help me by your mercy to always be on the righteous side in Jesus name.
DECREE:
Sin shall not have dominion over me.
God bless you. Shalom.
