~~Today’s reading is in Deuteronomy 13~~
What first struck me about this passage is that when it speaks of “a prophet or a dreamer of dreams…[that] gives you a sign or a wonder…” and who entices you to follow other gods, I was expecting to read that the sign or the wonder did not occur and by that the people would know they were dealing with a false prophet; however, instead we read in verse 2 “…and the sign or wonder…comes to pass…”!!!
This reminds me of the verse that tells us that Satan comes as an angel of light (see 2 Corinthians 11:14). What may appear to be good and godly may be altogether otherwise. Another passage of Scripture comes to mind: 2 Timothy 3. In this chapter, we receive warning from Paul that in the last days there will be people who have an appearance of godliness, but deny its power (2 Tim 3:5). This passage gives reference to “Jannes and Jambres”, which may refer to the sorcerers under Pharaoh in Egypt in the time of Moses, who were able to do some of the wonders that Moses had done. Even though they were able to repeat some of the signs and wonders, we certainly wouldn’t follow them as godly men! (See Exodus 7: 8-11)
***Important to note that after warning against people who practice ungodliness comes the blessed verse that reminds us that with the inspired Word, we have all we need for training in righteousness. Hallelujah! (See 2 Tim 3:16)***
This morning’s reading ties in nicely with the sermon last night, which was from Colossians 2:16-23. I’m thinking in particular of verse 18 from that passage, about those who advocate the worship of angels and who speak about visions they’ve had. We are warned again, that following such deception is of no value in keeping us from sin, even though the false teaching appears to have wisdom and godliness.
I would encourage you to read over the passages mentioned above and pray to the LORD with me, that He would keep us from being deceived by others and from being self-deceived. There is a prayer of John Bunyan that he wrote in response to his reading some popular religious books of his day, which I’ve made my own:
“O Lord, I am a fool, and not able to know the truth from error. Lord, leave me not to my own blindness, either to approve of or condemn this doctrine; if it be of God, let me not despise it; if it be of the devil, let me not embrace it. Lord, I lay my soul in this matter only at Thy foot; let me not be deceived, I humbly beseech Thee.” Section 44 of Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, by John Bunyan
- Deuteronomy 13
- 2 Corinthians 11
- 2 Timothy 3
- Exodus 7
- Colossians 2
Blessings,
patricia grace