A Good Luck Charm Jesus?
“For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines
of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen…â€
(Acts 19:24)
We have been told by some that they are not ready to make a commitment to the Lord and his church (see Ephesians 3:21 on Christ and church). Strangely, however, one such individual with whom we have been working for years now, whom we love, continues to hold diametrically opposite beliefs. How disappointing it is when such a one voices how they faithfully pray to the Lord for daily strength and security, while simultaneously verbalizing that they are not yet ready to give their life to Christ as their Lord.
This packaging of Jesus as a “good luck charm Jesus,†rather than the Lord of the universe who is the Christ of Scripture, reminds us of the superstitious Artemis (Diana) worship that existed in ancient Asia (see Acts 19:23-41). One could even purchase a little silver shrine to aid and support one’s journey through life. Is it possible that Jesus could become so reduced as to become such a little shrine in one’s heart for protection without any commitment? Those with this mindset are either deceived, naive, or both.
One thing is for certain, Jesus Christ is not a bell-hop; not an amulet; not a lucky charm. He is the one who demands repentance and faith (Acts 20:21); who commands repentance and judgment (Acts 17:30,31). What shall it be, then, Leprechaun or Lord?
-Robert M. Housby