THE CHILDREN of Israel were told in Exodus 34:1414For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God: (Exodus 34:14): “The Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” Jealousy means “to be inflamed"; it is the strong affection that cannot bear to see a loved one enticed by another. It was with this jealous affection that God regarded His people whom He had redeemed out of Egypt, and the land which He had chosen, the place in which He had placed His name.
If such was the Lord’s feeling towards His earthly people, what must be the love in the heart of Christ for the Church, His bride, for whom He died and who is destined to share His heavenly glory with Him. It was the spirit of Christ in the Apostle that led him to write: “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 2 Cor. 11:22For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:2). Surely these words of the Lord to His people of old have a voice for us Christians today.
Israel was to shun the ways of the nations around them. Eating anything with the blood was forbidden, also enchantments and observing of times by divination (v. 26). They were not to adopt the ways of the heathen in trimming their heads and beards (v. 27), cutting their flesh and tattooing (v. 28). All was seen as opposed to the Lord. They were to keep His sabbaths and reverence His sanctuary.
“Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.” Divination, observing of times, enchantments, witchery, consulting with familiar spirits, and similar arts were sternly denounced. They were heathen enormities and God’s people were forbidden to have anything to do with them. Today these are called occult sciences but really it is the subtle power of Satan in the unseen world, by which he deludes men.
How solemn it is to see in this very country the interest in astrology, witchcraft and other magic practices growing so rapidly. Not since the days of ancient Babylon, it is said, has there been so much interest shown in these mystic arts. Today there are literally thousands practicing witchcraft here. Nor is it merely a passing fad, but the result of man turning his back on a faithful Creator, on Christ the only Saviour of sinners, and refusing the light of God’s unerring and holy Word. These favored lands of Christendom, so blessed under the gospel, are fast going back into the heathen darkness out of which they were once delivered by the grace of God.
It is of particular interest to us in our day to note that the word used for “sorcery” in Revelation 9:2121Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. (Revelation 9:21) refers to drugs — “to stupify with drugs.” May we remember, dear young Christian, that these abominations against which Israel were warned, are the power of Satan. Even Christians may be, and have been, drawn into them out of mere curiosity. Let us not forget the word of the Lord: “Let no man beguile you of your reward... intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.” Col. 2:1818Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, (Colossians 2:18).
Poor fallen man, away from God, resorts to false means in attempting to find out what the future holds, and thus he plays into the hands of Satan. But only God knows the future and unless He reveals it, it cannot be known. How wonderful to be His child through faith in His dear Son, to leave the future in His hands and be at peace, and to be able to say as the beloved Apostle: “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” 2 Tim. 1:1212For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (2 Timothy 1:12).
ML-07/09/1972