The Danger of the Occult

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“Do Not Imitate the Nations”: Staying Pure in a Pagan World - Deuteronomy 18:9-22

Dear Friends, as the people of Israel stood on the threshold of the Promised Land, Moses gave them some of the strongest and most detailed warnings in the entire book of Deuteronomy. He knew the nations living in Canaan practised dark and detestable religious rituals, and he was determined that God’s people must be radically different.

Moses lists a whole series of occult practices that were common in the ancient world:

“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.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12 ESV)

These were not harmless superstitions. They were direct attempts to gain knowledge, power, or guidance from sources other than the living God. Child sacrifice, consulting the dead, sorcery, and fortune-telling were all ways of bypassing God. Moses declares plainly that every one of these things is an abomination to the Lord.

Then comes one of the most beautiful and far-reaching promises in the Old Testament. God says He will raise up a Prophet like Moses from among the Israelites, and “to him you shall listen” (v. 15). This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfilment in the Lord Jesus Christ — the perfect Prophet who speaks the very words of God.

Moses also gives the people a clear test for distinguishing true prophets from false ones: if what a prophet says in the name of the Lord does not come to pass, then it was not from God, and the people should not fear him.

For us as Christians living in the 21st century, this passage is incredibly relevant. Our society is saturated with occult practices — horoscopes, astrology, mediums, tarot cards, spiritualism, and “new age” spirituality. Many Christians are tempted to dip into these things “just for fun” or out of curiosity. But Deuteronomy 18 warns us that these things are not neutral. They open doors to demonic influence and represent a rejection of God’s authority in our lives.


Pause & Pray: Take a longer, honest moment with the Lord. Read Deuteronomy 18:9-14 slowly. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart:

“Have I opened any door to the occult, even in small ways — through entertainment, apps, or seeking guidance outside of God’s Word?”

Confess anything that comes to mind. Thank the Lord Jesus that He is the true Prophet we are called to listen to, and ask Him to keep you blameless before God.

Verse to Remember: “You shall be blameless before the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 18:13 ESV)

Question to Consider: Are there any areas in your life (books, films, apps, practices, or sources of guidance) where you have been influenced by things the Bible calls an abomination? What would it look like practically to be “blameless before the Lord” in those areas this week?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church
 

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