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Word from Nairnshire
by Sandy Shaw
When true worship declines idolatry flourishes.
There has never been such worship in our nation for years, but alas, much of it is idolatrous.
The captured Ark of the Lord had been with the Philistines for seven months, and they have experienced nothing but sadness, pain, and death.
The Ark had to go back to Israel where it belonged, but the leaders knew they had to return it with accompanying gifts because of their guilt and their sin.
People have an innate awareness of sin, although they may be most reluctant to admit it.
They knew they had to appease the God of Israel, and do so with expensive tokens. Something had to be done.
What would they send to atone for their sin? Five gold tumours and five gold rats!
Imagine such an order coming into a high class London jeweller! Whatever would they make of it?
A new cart was made, and the Ark and the unusual gifts were dispatched to Israel, the cart being drawn by two spiritually inspired cows.
Wherever would the cows go? The Philistine rulers followed the cart at a distance and the cargo arrived at Beth Shemesh, 15 miles west of Jerusalem.
The Israelis were busy harvesting when the Ark appeared. Joy broke out.
Here comes God! It is just like old times! No, it was not like old times.
There had been no repentance, and there was little sign of reverence for the things of God. They were spiritually careless.
The Philistines sinned in ignorance, but the men of Beth Shemesh should have known better.
We must never become too chummy with Almighty God.
How is sin atoned for today? Through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, a drop of which is the most precious substance in the universe.
Sandy Shaw
Nairn Christian Fellowship
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Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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