Items Hidden on a Camel’s Saddle and Award Ribbons and Plaques

1 John 5:21, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”

What don’t you have that would make you completely happy and satisfied? Does anything come to mind? How often have you wanted “more of,” be it money, friends, a more prominent place to live in, or recognition of achievements, to be content? These are all temporary. I have to remind myself that when Christ calls us home, none of this will matter any longer. I remember when my dad was alive, and he and my mother were moving out of their house into a retirement facility, and he had boxes and boxes of awards he had been given for teaching, community awards, etc. He looked at all of them, and they suddenly were no longer meaningful to him as he didn’t have any wall space in their new residence to hang them on for display. Also, no one else would want them because they were not theirs. He had worked hard all his teaching career, was usually the president of various organizations, and earned rightful recognition for his leadership roles. Now, these were no longer important possessions and the significance of each one no longer held current value to him. Just the memory of each one did.

I always wondered why Rachel took her father Laban’s household idols and hid them in her camel’s saddle in Genesis 31:34. Why were they important to her? In my research one source said: “Because these idols were often decorated with precious gem stones, and in an emergency, those could be sold. Other scholars discuss a legal reason for Rachel’s actions. Some ancient records seem to say that the household gods were sometimes symbols of property rights and family status.” Theplainword.com. In other words, maybe Rachel thought she had a backup plan for Jacob’s God. Her upbringing in her family worshiped idols. When he met Jacob, her father Laban became a man of two religions. His household gods didn’t question his motives, actions, or conduct, whereas Jehovah Yahweh, God did. He never fully acknowledged believing and worshipping Jacob’s God. Rachel, it appears, continued to hold to superstitions and pagan spiritual practices by her father’s family. This shows how influential parents are that can extend into their children’s adulthood. How did your parents influence you in living for the one and only true God that is genuine?

As I have been studying 1 John these past few weeks, it keeps coming back to me to keep my eyes and thoughts focused on Jesus rather than other people or things. What we think about Jesus will influence our life. 1 John 5:20 summarizes by stating: “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true – even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” Believer, you have the unfair advantage. Abide in Him and walk in the same manner that Jesus walked (1 John 2:6). Reflect on these verses that have the word need in them:

• “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19.
• “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb. 4:16.

Your faith in Jesus Christ is your shield of protection, and you will then know the Spirit of truth, which will keep you safe from the spirit of error. Give God your needs. Ask Him to supply. He has heard them (Psalm 69:33). Then you can say, as David said, “The Lord is my shepherd. I have all that I need.” Psalm 23:1 NLT. No idol can give you that.

Listen to Natalie Grant – In Christ Alone (Official Music Video).