Paraskevidekatriaphobics

O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD. For you have rejected your people, the house of Jacob, because they are full of things from the east and of fortune-tellers like the Philistines, and they strike hands with the children of foreigners. Their land is filled with silver and gold, and there is no end to their treasures; their land is filled with horses, and there is no end to their chariots. (Isaiah 2:5-7 ESV). “Magic and divination” were two of the practices of the pagan cultures of Isaiah’s time that brought the judgment of God. God has never approved of anything that would turn a person away from faith in Him alone. The superstitious coupling of Friday the 13th with calamity is one of those seemingly harmless fears that are really rooted in such a lack of faith. It is very old in western culture. The sixth day of the week and the number 13 both have foreboding reputations dating from ancient folklore. People have feared Friday the 13th as a day that comes some three times a year and brings more misfortune than any other day. Folklorists say it's probably the most widespread superstition in America (and no doubt other parts of the world, as well). Some people won't go to work on Friday the 13th. Some won't eat in restaurants. Many wouldn't think of setting a wedding on the date. It is easy to ask, “How many people at the turn of the millennium still suffer from this phobia?” According to Dr. Donald Dossey, a therapist specializing in the treatment of phobias and credited with coining the term "paraskevidekatriaphobia," as many as 21 million do in the United States alone. If that's correct, something like eight percent of Americans is still in the grips of a very ancient superstition. Does it make any difference? Can it really hurt to be a little more careful on such days? Isn’t it just a harmless superstition? According to the Scripture, it is not harmless at all. The reason that it is such a destructive practice is due to the fact that it takes our mind away from a complete faith and trust in the Lord. There are other such superstitions that do the same thing. Do you have any of these practices that have crept into your life? Do you have lucky charms in your home? I saw a movie the other night and a scene in it was particularly interesting. It was the story of the Cole Younger and Jesse James gang. One of the members of the gang had just taken a rabbit’s foot from a victim they had killed in a gun battle and as he rubbed it, he said, “This is my lucky rabbit’s foot.” The Jesse James character replied, “Wasn’t very lucky for that guy!” Later in the film, he is holding that charm as he is shot trying to rob a bank! Isaiah begins the instruction with a very clear request, “Come, people of Israel, let us walk in the light of the Lord.” Whether it is a rabbit’s foot, horseshoe, kitchen witch, or any other charm, our focus must be on the Lord and Him alone. When we walk in His light, we need no other. Take a look at your practices today and refocus your faith in Him. It is not a matter of luck, but faith!