WHERE DO YOU PUT YOUR FAITH?

Dearly Beloved,
WHERE DO YOU PUT YOUR FAITH?
“When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, ‘Why did the LORD bring defeat upon us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the LORD's covenant from Shiloh, so that it may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies’” (1 Samuel 4:3 NIV).
The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred portable container which was the most important sacred object of the Israelites during the wilderness period. It was also known as the ark of the Lord (Joshua 6:11), the ark of God (1 Samuel 3:3), and the ark of the Testimony (Exodus 25:22). It served as the presence of the LORD among the Israelites. At times, it led them on their journey in the wilderness (Numbers 10:33) and it was instrumental in the crossing of River Jordan as the waters of the river ceased to continue flowing as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the ark entered the water, and that it stood still above until these priests, after the people of Israel had crossed over (see Joshua 3:11-17; 4:7, 11, 18). No wonder, when the Israelites were losing a battle against the Philistines, they trusted the seemingly “magic power” of the ark rather than God, and took the ark into battle. They thought that the ark would rescue them from their enemies. Unfortunately, they suffered a crushing defeat and the sacred ark was even captured by the enemies! (1 Samuel 4:1-11).
Nowadays, it is amazing to see how many Christians and even some Christian denominations are placing so much emphasis and trust in some seemingly sacred objects rather than the Almighty God that created such objects for man’s use. The objects may be anointing oil, “sanctified” apron, mantle or handkerchief, “holy” water, “sanctified” candle, soap, sponge, and the likes. Interestingly, many people have been disappointed in spite of the use of such objects.
Where do you put your faith? Is it in created things or the Creator? No matter how sacred or “sanctified” they may be, created objects may aid your belief in God, but it is far better to put your faith directly in God than relying on these sacred or “sanctified” objects before you can get anything from God. The Psalmist said, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (20:7 NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).