READING: Deuteronomy 17-20
The spiritual battles we face are real ones. Few of us readily default into obedience and trust; even believers battle against the evil one. His arrows are sharp, and his aim is good. Indeed, his lures are inviting, even to followers of Christ.
It is striking in today’s reading that God had to warn His people about falling into the trap of the occult when they entered the Promised Land: “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead” (Deut 18:9-11). Apparently, even the very people whom God delivered in all His power would be tempted to turn in a wrong direction to gain power and information.
The good news, though, was this: regardless of how numerous the pagan peoples were in the Promised Land, God was stronger. His people had no reason to fear, for He would deliver them. In a theme we’ve heard throughout our readings this year, God would be their warrior: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (Deut 20:3-4).
You and I may not be tempted to turn to sorcery and divination and witchcraft and mediums to find power and understand the future, but many around the world are so led. Billions who do not know Jesus are seeking their power elsewhere, turning to false gods that are no match for the true God. Our task is to get the gospel to them. That task is not easy — it’s costly, deadly even, for some — but we need not fear or panic. The Lord goes with us and with those who go before us to the nations. He will give us victory.
ACTION STEPS: Consider these steps:
- Pray now for the many around the world who turn to false gods today. Check out some of the stories of victory at www.imb.org.
- If you know someone who does indeed turn to mediums or witchcraft, pray for that person.
- Whatever battle you face today, remember these words from Deuteronomy 20: “the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
PRAYER: “God, thank You for the victory You alone grant. Guide and strengthen our missionaries as they serve in places where the people turn to false gods. Remind them of Your presence and victory today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Deuteronomy 21-23
