Enemy Territory

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.  Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD; because of these same detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you.  You must be blameless before the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 18:10-13

Facebook creates a great deal of conversation about whether it is a good or a bad thing, a waste of time or a way to stay connected with others. I am very much a “lurker” there. I rarely put up a personal post but love to read others and comment or ”like” them. Often I find I wish there was a “dislike” option for some posts.

I would like this when someone is suffering from a migraine or they have just landed in Memphis, TN and learned that their luggage is still in Philadelphia, PA. But, almost daily I want to “dislike” my Christian friends’ daily hororscope posts.

These are obviously something you sign up for and they appear daily from cyber space. Horoscopes are enemy territory, they are not of God. In fact, God says we are not to be enticed by the moon and the stars. Deuteronomy 4:19 says,  “And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshipping things the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven”

As we read Deuteronomy 18:10-13 (at top) it’s not hard to understand that God doesn’t want us to sacrifice our children or consult the dead or a witch. These things are obviously evil as the command is clear. But things like horoscopes and palm reading seem so harmless.

Some people argue that horoscopes are benign.  I would argue that they are of the devil.  Those who look to horoscopes to give them direction or predict how the day will go are not looking for their help from God but from His enemy. 

The same is true for palm reading and fortune tellers.  They all point people away from God and toward the occult.  

People like to say that it is just entertainment – a way to have some fun.  The Bible clearly warns us about a spiritual battle going on in the heavenly realms.  (Ephesians 6:12)  It is a battle for our time, our attention, and our souls that is happening all the time.  Satan would love to distract us from the things of God and get us to focus on meaningless things that give us a false sense of security. 

It would appear that we are facing some pretty difficult economic times in the near future. It’s not good now but all the evidence says it’s getting worse not better. Because of this more and more people are going to be looking for direction. What should we do to earn money? Is there a better place to live where we can have more opportunities? What does the future hold? 

As Christians we know that God can answer all those questions. He may not give us the answers when we want them or as we want to hear but He is the One we need to point others to in their troubles. He is the “ever present Help in times of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) Horoscopes and palm readers have no power and no real wisdom. The Lord God is both powerful and wise. 

This is the reason I get kind of worked up when I see Christians on Facebook putting up their daily horoscopes. If people need direction for their lives,  some hope and security – the only real help they will find is in the Lord through the power of His Holy Spirit and His Word that He has so graciously left for us. 

So, here’s something to  “like” and post on Facebook :  “The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid.” Hebrews 13:6.