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Maranatha Devotional
Stolen Relics
Monday, October 31, 2016
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When I was a professor at Oro Bible College in the Philippines, I taught a course on spiritual warfare and animism. I took my students to a museum at a local university that had a large collection of religious relics, supposedly from the holy land. Animistic people believe that having wood from the cross, or some other artifact from Jesus or the apostles will give them good luck and protection. The Bible acknowledges that animists believe this, but does not approve the belief.
When Solomon had the ark brought to the temple in Jerusalem, only the two tablets of stone were in it. Aaron's rod and the jar of manna were missing. Perhaps someone along the way thought that these items might be valuable or bring good fortune or protection. The real value was not in the symbols of God's presence and power - it was in the presence itself.
Lord, may we cling to your person, not to symbols of your power.
Jefferson Vann
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