CHRISTIAN TALISMANS
«So the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God has come into the camp!’ And they said, Woe to us! For such a thing has never happened before'» (1 Samuel 4:7).
The nation of Israel had fallen into moral and spiritual corruption ounce again. They fought against the Philistines, but they lost. Then the elders of Israel sent for the ark that was in Shiloh, supposing that if they had it with them they would win the next battle. They did not bring it because they respected it, but because they were superstitious. It was like a good-luck talisman for them, and they thought its magical qualities would bring them success. They did not consult with God nor confess their sins; they did not repent nor abandon their iniquity. They attributed all the wonders done by God to the magical power of the ark that contained the commandments that they broke continually, in spite of being the chosen people. The ark itself could not give them more than any other box. Though it was the symbol of God’s presence, since the leaders had rejected God ‘s , God could not lead them in the right way.
Certainly the ark was a precious symbol of God’s divine presence (Numbers 4:5, 6), and it deserved respect when it was being moved. However, they handled the ark in an irreverent way and hurried to carry it the few kilometers to where the army was believing that its presence would avoid a greater death toll (see SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 2, pp. 470, 471). Those who abandon their faith show great affection for external observances, but no one can protect them from God’s wrath at their empty profession of faith.
Fearfully, the Philistines remembered the stories of God’s intervention in favor of Israel when they left Egypt, but Israel had strayed far from God, maintaining only a formal religion and appearance of holiness and yet they hoped to obtain the victory. Unfortunately the negligence of the High Priest and judge Eli allowed Israel to experience a terrible calamity. That day 30,000 men died, including Eli and his sons, and the ark of God was taken from the land of lsrael. «Let none who claim to be the depositaries of God ‘s law flatter themselves that the regard they may outwardly show toward the commandments will preserve them from the exercise of divine justice.»—Patriarchs and Prophets, ch. 34, p. 416.
How is your relationship with God? Is it just a ritual, or is it a personal relationship? Do you have some kind of talisman ? Do you open your Bible to a Psalm for protection but fail to read it? Do you focus on beautiful programs that are not centered on Jesus? Do you wear a cross on a necklace without experiencing the joy of salvation? Do you go to church out of habit, without having a vital connection with Jesus?
Today, transform your religious practices into a life-changing experience, and work on developing an authentic relationship with God that is renewed every morning.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate