Desperate for answers

When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations.       — Deuteronomy 18:8

A popular afternoon television program a few years ago was hosted by a self-proclaimed medium. He supposedly received messages from spirits of the dead to give to their family members in his studio audience. His readings prompted many people to believe in this occultic practice.

We live in a culture where people are desperate to know their future, and they’ll turn to psychics and mediums for answers — a practice expressly forbidden in the Scriptures.

The ancient Israelites were desperate to know their future, and God knew that they’d be tempted to consult ungodly sources for answers. So He warned them to stay away from mediums and those who contact the dead (Lev. 19:26, 31; 20:27; Deut. 18:9-14).

God knew that these practices would prevent ancient Israel from being a holy, set-apart people who would be a blessing to all nations. The future for Israel was determined by their faithfulness to God’s covenant, not the words of soothsayers and psychics. Reliance on these evil practices indicated a failure to trust the Lord with their lives.

When you are desperate for information about your failure, turn to the sovereign God of heaven. He is the only One who holds the answers you seek.     — Marvin Williams

Shall not He who led me safely

Through the footsteps of this day

Lead with equal understanding

All along my future way? — Adams

READ: Deut. 18:9-14

The what of our future is determined by the who of eternity.

The Bible in one year:

• Esther 7-8

• Proverbs 10:12-21