Consider two stories:
1) The country was in turmoil. The society was disintegrating from within, and enemies were attacking from without. How could they be saved? Finally, the leaders of the country came up with the answer: bring in an ancient symbol from when things were better. "Back then, this was central to our nation. If we display it in our midst now, it will save us." So they brought in the ark of the covenant. While its presence encouraged the people, it also energized their enemies. In the ensuing battle, the Israelites were defeated and the ark was captured by the Philistines. (1 Sam. 4)
2) The country was in turmoil. The society was disintegrating from within, and enemies were attacking from without. How could they be saved? Finally, an answer was presented: bring in an ancient symbol from when things were better. "Back then, this was central to our nation. If we display it in our midst now, it will save us." So they called for the display of the 10 commandments in courthouses, schools, and legislatures. While its display encouraged the Christians, it also energized their enemies, whose attacks became more and more vicious.
Interesting parallels. In the time of Samuel, the people were not interested in true repentance, in truly meeting with God at His footstool/ark. They just wanted a "good luck talisman." They expected the presence of the ark itself to deliver them. Similarly, in our day, conservatives are waging a battle to display the 10 commandments. They are generally not calling on men to submit to the Lordship of Christ, to faithfully obey the 10 commandments. Rather, if we can just display the 10 commandments publicly, even as "historical documents" (as is proposed here in Georgia), we will be saved. The 10 commandments, prayer in schools, etc. have become our modern magical talismans -- faithfulness is not important, so long as we have our symbols on display.
1) The country was in turmoil. The society was disintegrating from within, and enemies were attacking from without. How could they be saved? Finally, the leaders of the country came up with the answer: bring in an ancient symbol from when things were better. "Back then, this was central to our nation. If we display it in our midst now, it will save us." So they brought in the ark of the covenant. While its presence encouraged the people, it also energized their enemies. In the ensuing battle, the Israelites were defeated and the ark was captured by the Philistines. (1 Sam. 4)
2) The country was in turmoil. The society was disintegrating from within, and enemies were attacking from without. How could they be saved? Finally, an answer was presented: bring in an ancient symbol from when things were better. "Back then, this was central to our nation. If we display it in our midst now, it will save us." So they called for the display of the 10 commandments in courthouses, schools, and legislatures. While its display encouraged the Christians, it also energized their enemies, whose attacks became more and more vicious.
Interesting parallels. In the time of Samuel, the people were not interested in true repentance, in truly meeting with God at His footstool/ark. They just wanted a "good luck talisman." They expected the presence of the ark itself to deliver them. Similarly, in our day, conservatives are waging a battle to display the 10 commandments. They are generally not calling on men to submit to the Lordship of Christ, to faithfully obey the 10 commandments. Rather, if we can just display the 10 commandments publicly, even as "historical documents" (as is proposed here in Georgia), we will be saved. The 10 commandments, prayer in schools, etc. have become our modern magical talismans -- faithfulness is not important, so long as we have our symbols on display.
Rod Kirby, Ph.D.
Dominion Christian High School
Marietta, GA
dominionchristian.org
Dominion Christian High School
Marietta, GA
dominionchristian.org
