Obedience

In some cultures, including Europe, China, Africa, and North and South America the foot of a rabbit is carried as an amulet and is believed to bring good luck. Some believe hanging a horseshoe facing upwards in a ‘U’ shape will keep evil out and bring good luck.  Conversely, they say hanging it upside down will have luck flowing out!  During my college days, if I did the first examination well, then I will consider that sari a lucky sari and wear the same sari to the next five exams!  Looking back I can see the stupidity of my actions!  To get good marks one does not need a lucky sari but diligent preparation! 

When the people of Israel entered the Promised Land, the Ark of the Covenant which signified the Presence of God went before the people carried by the Priests and many victories were won.  But in the book of 1 Samuel we read of another incidence which is completely contrary to the incident mentioned above.  During the time of Eli, when the Philistines attacked the Israelites, the people decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh into the battle field.  Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the Lord, carried it into the battle. But thirty thousand Israelites were killed that day and the Ark was captured by the Philistines.  Why did God allow such a thing to happen?  The people thought the Ark will bring victory for them!  The Ark of the Covenant is not a charm to give magical outcome.  The people did not trust God and live in obedience to His commandments and so they suffered defeat.  

The Lord expects the people who follow Him to obey Him.  Without obedience victory cannot be won.  Sometimes we treat our Bibles just like a charm.  We keep the Bible on our bed thinking that will give us good sleep. We carry the Bible when we get admitted to the hospital.  Nothing is wrong with any of this.  But the Bible is not a charm to bring us good luck.  God has given us the Bible so that we can read, meditate and know Him who has called us personally and obey Him.  God speaks to us through His Word and our relationship with Him is based on His Word alone.  Where there is no obedience, there will be no deliverance! 

 My friend, do not depend on the Bible to bring good things but depend on the God of the Bible for deliverance and victory in your life!

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