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Ichabod

Digging deep down into the centuries of Jewish history, you will find the birth of Ichabod.  He was the grandchild of Eli the priest who is more well known for his mentoring of the boy Samuel, who would then become a great judge and prophet for the people of Israel.  But the sons of Eli were worthless fellows and didn't know God or even follow in His ways, although they did perform as priests.  Consequently, the day of reckoning arrived, and both sons, Hophni and Phinehas were killed by the enemy Philistines. The ark of the covenant of God was captured as well, and without it, the very symbol of God Himself, the people were sure to be doomed.  When this news is told to Eli, he falls over backwards and breaks his neck "for he was old and heavy." (I Samuel 4:18)  The tragedy continues for when Phinehas' wife hears the news of her husband's and father-in-law's death, she immediately goes into labor, giving birth to a son.  But instead of maternal joy in bearing a son, on her deathbed, she names her son Ichabod which means,  "the glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God was taken." (I Samuel 4:22)  Ichabod, literally means "no glory."

These are days of Ichabod.  Glory vanishes in the midst of a society that elevates greed, self glorification, lust and pride. Just by his mere presence,  Ichabod reminded the people of Israel everyday that God's glory is gone.    I am sure that in some way that felt entirely unfair to put such a heavy burden on an infant and young boy, who had nothing to do with the circumstances that surrounded his birth.  Yet, it is what it is, what was done was done. . .

A week after a turbulent election brings us to Ichabod.  I lament the outcome, but greater than my sorrow with the results, lies my lament with Christian religion in America.  I have no respect for those Christian leaders who show up on news stations and try to speak for me.  I am disgusted and aghast how pastors, including mine, fail to speak up and denounce racial slurs, sexist derogatory comments, slanderous and hateful speech of their candidate they sought to put forward.  We are now told, it was all well engineered to get their congregations to "vote for the issues" and ignore the bigoted bull in the china cabinet.   Anything for power and control, even if it meant to vote "by holding their nose."  I cannot logically begin to understand their hypocritical rhetoric, but I understand better why there are more "None's" in the religious polls, after all, who wants to be associated with the Christian religion? 

Yes, I still am angry, it festers under my skin.  As a woman, I am especially so appalled with results. Living by faith in Jesus doesn't mimic religion.  Jesus didn't bring a new religion, He is the only way to life and to be reconciled to the one and only God.  The way of faith is transcendant of whatever governments or rulers you face.  He denounced the Religion Right of his day, the Pharisees and Sadducees for their oppression of the people with their overbearing rules and selfish ways.  Faith is not religion, faith doesn't need your vote, it doesn't need to manipulate others for its way; faith requires humility and servitude, sacrifice in putting others before yourself, seeing ultimately in all that you do, you are serving Christ.

But here I am in Ichabod.  I lament, and I am deeply hurt and sorrowful . . .   

"Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way.
  Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. 
 But if you still do wickedly, both you and your king will be swept away."  
(I Samuel 12: 23-25).  

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