SHEPHERD TO
SHEEP
SUPERSTITIONS
(Psa 56:3) Whenever I am afraid, I will trust
in You.
It’s interesting, if you think
about it, how superstitions are still a part of our culture and makeup. If you do this then that might happen. Do this or wear that and then you’ll have good
luck. We find it among baseball teams on
down to everyday life even in an educated society. We know the occult is wrong but is it wrong
to be superstitious? What does the Bible
say?
Let’s review some common
superstitions: FRIDAY THE 13TH: Friday has long been considered an
unlucky day (I thought it would be Monday!)
According to Christian tradition, Jesus died on a Friday and 13 has a
long history as an unlucky number. BLACK
CATS CROSSING YOUR PATH: Most likely, this superstition arises from old beliefs
in witches turning into cats. WALKING UNDER A LADDER: When you walk through the
triangle you may awaken spirits that live within the triangle that might harm
you. BREAKING A MIRROR: Since a mirror was thought to be a reflection of the
soul, breaking a mirror was harmful to one’s self and you would have bad luck
for seven years. OPENING AN UMBRELLA INSIDE: When the umbrella is opened
inside, and out of the way of sun's rays, it offends the sun god and would
bring back luck to those in the house. THROWING SALT BEHIND YOUR SHOULDER: In
olden times, it was frequently said that the devil was always sitting just
behind your left shoulder. When you threw salt at him you would be buying him
off or getting him off your back. And
the list goes on.
Now those who are into
superstitions have also developed a way to get rid of the bad omen that has
come their way. RABBIT’S FOOT: Interestingly, rabbits feet have been a symbol
of good luck since at least 600 BC when Celtic people in England would kill
rabbits possessing certain attributes that were seen as beneficial to the
bearer of the lucky charm. KNOCK ON WOOD: Because things are going so good,
this is the habit of knocking loudly to keep out evil spirits from making
things go bad. CROSS YOUR FINGERS: Anything associated with the shape of the
cross was thought to be good luck. This
list also goes on too!
I love the story in Acts 28 of
Paul being shipwrecked on the island of Malta.
One day Paul went over to a wood pile to help stoke the fire since it
was so cold. As he did so a viper came
out of the pile and fastened onto his hand.
He shook it off and the people according to their superstition thought he
was a bad person being paid back by fate.
But nothing happened!
As believers, we believe the Lord
is in control, not fate or a force or a fiend.
Good or bad comes at the hand of God (Job 1:21, 2:10). But we know God is good and works all for
good (Psa 119:68; Rom 8:28). When we are fearful we can pray and put our trust
in Him. When we do we will sense a beautiful peace inside and mercy will
surround us (Col 3:15; Psa 32:10). Don’t knock on wood! Knock on heaven’s doors and watch God’s blessings
come your way! (Mat 7:7-11)
Louie
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