Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

IMPORTANCE OF GETTING IT RIGHT

“Then said they unto him, Say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth: for he could not frame to pronounce it right. . .” Judges 12:6.

From the pages of history of God’s people, there arises a lot of sad stories, some of which are of self-destruction. Consider Judges Chapter Twelve. During the conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua, two tribes of Israel elected to make their home on the East side of the Jordan River instead of the West side where God was taking them. Accordingly, it was not long until they had an alliance with the children of Ammon who lived in that region.

Then during the days of Jephthah, Judge of Israel, a matter of warfare broke out between the Israelites and the Ammonites. God delivered the Ammonites into the hands of Israel, but can you imagine this? The children of Ephraim and Manasseh were highly offended, and they engaged Israel, their own brethren in warfare to their own hurt.

The Israelites defeated them and cut off their retreating remnant at a pass through which they must travel to go home. Accordingly, the Ephraimites and the Manassites sought passage by denying who they really were. Subsequently, the Israelites who were well aware of their peculiar dialect demanded each petitioner to say a password “Shibboleth.” But the children of Ephraim and Manasseh could not say the word correctly. Instead of saying “shibboleth” they would sound out “Sibboleth.” Upon hearing this deficiency, they would be slain by the Israelites. It was a simple case of get it right or die. Moreover, “Get it right or die” is still a present reality for multitudes who never give eternity a moment’s serious consideration.

Now, it is not a password, but a commitment. But, Christianity to some people is just another of so many facets of life, along with civic clubs, social engagements, careers, etc. Accordingly, one may be enrolled in a “Church” at birth or flippantly entered into without any consideration to their state of condemnation. But there will not be an opportunity for a password or a commitment later on. One must receive Jesus as his sin-sacrifice substitute or die. One must follow Jesus as a disciple or lose the benefit of his life on earth. One may look at what is called baptism, church membership, and even selfless help extended to fellow men in a morally good life environment, but false professions, counterfeit ordinances, and self-willed religion will never substitute for the real thing. Just ask the children of Ephraim and Manasseh after reading Judges Chapter Twelve.

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