Daily devotional, Feb 13, 2024 The “harm” in “harmless”
"Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." Ephesians 5:11
Some consider occult practices as child-play, some describe it as “harmless” fun. Some get curious because they saw it on a show or movie or even on social media. Some on the other hand swear by it, regularly seeking help from fortune tellers and letting themselves be guided by their horoscope. But these long-standing rituals and activities are more harmful than what most would think.
For instance, the recent lunar new year has again prompted the rise of predictions and astrological forecasts most of which some self-proclaimed Christ followers willingly listen to. Lucky colors, lucky numbers, lucky charms are all part of local news, with merchants raking in income, and fortune-seeking consumers more than willing to buy in.
As Christians, we should be wary of these practices as these are not good in the sight of the Lord. In the Old Testament, Israelites were repeatedly warned against the dangers of participating in paganistic and occult practices:
"There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you."
Deuteronomy 18:10-11
And the warnings against these rituals do not end in the Old Testament. The last book of the Bible, the Revelation, uncovered the heavy penalty for any person practicing such. It is indeed not as harmless as one thinks since most seem like a game, but in reality, committing the sin is on the same level as other grievous ones like murder and sexual immorality:
"But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Revelation 21:8
The first king of the Israelites, Saul, died because of his faithlessness. Instead of walking with God and having a close relationship with him, he consulted a medium in the face of difficulty.
"So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. He did not seek guidance from the Lord. Therefore the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse."
1 Chronicles 10:13-14
A medium is a person who presents himself as an intermediary between the dead and the living. Consulting them, even at the height of grief is abominable to God. Sometimes, people who have loved ones who just died, badly want to talk to their dead that they either try to contact them directly through occult tools, or even through mediums. Unfortunately, these services are still prevalent up to now — either as a scam or the real thing powered by the forces of the dark.
"If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people."
Leviticus 20:27
When we handle our grief by trusting mediums or our own strength, we actually tell the Lord that we do not trust His plans for us. That we do not see Him as a higher power who is in control of this world. It is like trusting the dark forces instead of surrendering our lives to the one true King that has planned our whole existence even before we have been conceived. It is like believing that we will never see our loved one again in eternal life.
"The seers shall be disgraced, and the diviners put to shame; they shall all cover their lips, for there is no answer from God."
Micah 3:7
When we rely on lucky charms, it is tantamount to telling the Lord that we do not trust His generous provision and plans for us. That we would rather wear or put something on our home that could attract wealth, love, or happiness.
The same is true with using astrological forecasts and consulting fortune tellers and tarot card readers to guide our lives, and answer the questions we may have about our future. Instead of nurturing an intimate relationship with the Lord and depending on Him for guidance, we turn to things of this world to direct our steps.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfareand not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Let the below passage from the Acts of the Apostles convince us that people calling themselves as fortune tellers and seers are influenced by the evil one. And as such, we should never relate to these people, much more consult them for our life decisions. While evil influences could never know the future of anyone, it can foretell human behavior through observation and consequently attempt to cause bad things to happen. If that fortune teller says he foresees trouble for the person consulting him, then the dark forces might just attempt to make that prediction come true.
"As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour." Acts 16:16-18
It is not certainly easy to look out at a seemingly bleak future. It is also not wrong to wish for a better life. But when we depend on occult practices, instead of seeking God and depending on Him we commit a sin, and we hurt ourselves too. A sin, because such acts is an insult to our Sovereign God. It is also considered hurting ourselves because we misdirect our steps and rob ourselves of enjoying fellowship with the Lord, and the guidance, peace, and joy that comes with it.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28
There is nothing harmless about occult practices, no matter how glittery, trendy, and fun, and entertaining it seems. It actually poses a real danger to the soul and the spirit, and then causes eventual harm to our whole being. When we are attracted to what seems interesting, and we get bored with reading God’s word, we know that we have yet to fully entrust our lives to Him
"For the household gods utter nonsense, and the diviners see lies; they tell false dreams and give empty consolation. Therefore the people wander like sheep; they are afflicted for lack of a shepherd." Zechariah 10:2
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Deuteronomy 18:9-14 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Have you ever engaged in any type of occult practices?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, I ask forgiveness for the times I placed my trust on the wrong people or things. Help me surrender myself and my future to you my Lord, and give me the confidence to trust in you alone. Amen.