The law of liberty

Text: Deuteronomy 18:8–13
Key verse: “Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God” (Deuteronomy 18:13).

Anticipation is a prominent instinct of man, and the eagerness of people to know about what lies ahead is great. People want to have an idea of what will happen tomorrow. A woman wants to know what the man that proposes marriage to her is likely to become in future. A traveler wants to find out if the journey he is embarking upon will be successful. A businessman is interested in the possible outcome of his investment. Even a gambler wants to find out about lucky numbers before he stakes his money. This instinct, predicated on curiosity, often make people get involved in actions that contravene God’s injunctions.

Although the Israelites were called out from one land to another and they were to dwell close to some strange people, they were given instructions on what not to do. God knew that those who live near them were ungodly and He did not want them to copy the practices of those ungodly people. Today, God still warns believers to desist from the behaviors and lifestyles of those unbelievers around.

God condemns, in totality, anything that has to do with horoscopy, fortune telling, use of charms, speaking to the dead, acts of witchcraft, traditional rites that have a tinge of idolatry, or a remote approval of any of these. The Bible was emphatic about God’s position about these: “For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee,” (verse 12).

Since it is easy to indulge in these practices, particularly as we see their preponderance among our sinful neighbors, we are warned not to emulate their practices, as these will earn us the wrath of God. We are to be careful and watchful. We are to keep our children at safe distance from such ungodly influences. God will help us as we obey Him.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: All that glitters is not gold.