In Deuteronomy 18, Moses warned the children of Israel about taking up the practices of the pagan nations they would displace as they entered the land of promise.
“When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God. For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the Lord your God has not appointed such for you” (Deuteronomy 18:9-14).
The practices enumerated by Moses were characteristic of the pagan societies of the day. There was much superstition and cruelty at that time, and these nations had displeased God.
It is a sad fact that we could point to a group in the United States today that practices just about every one of these sinful activities in one way or another. Though it has no religious component, abortion is the moral equivalent of making a son or daughter pass through the fire. We have wiccans, mediums, fortune tellers and horoscopes in our society as well, and millions who seek their guidance in making life decisions. Famously, Ronald and Nancy Reagan consulted an astrologer before setting his schedule and making important policy decisions. Such revelations are appalling, though not particularly surprising. Marianne Williamson, a well known New Age “spiritual teacher and author” got some early traction as a Democratic candidate for President in our present election. She is best known for being Oprah Winfrey’s spiritual advisor. The pagan beat goes on.
We could add to the list of sins with many moral transgressions. Peter told his readers, “For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you” (1 Peter 4:3-4). Perhaps our own nation is most closely associated with these sins of the flesh. Sexual sin permeates American relationships, entertainment and dress. It is ubiquitous.
Finally, a good number in our nation have rejected the concept of God. Men do not like “to retain God in their knowledge” (Romans 1:28). This is both a primary cause of moral sin, and a foolish sin in and of itself. “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God. They have all turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is none who does good, no, not one” (Psalm 14:1-3).
All of this is evident to most Christians. Therefore, it is important that we heed the warning He gave to the Israelites in our text. Read them again: “you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone … For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out … but as for you, the Lord your God has not appointed such for you.”
It is fairly easy for us to see the failings of the world. But, it can be difficult for us to admit and acknowledge that our Christian walk may have been unduly influenced by the ungodliness around us. Remember the admonition of our Lord, “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:3-5).
Though God was adamant that the pagan nations be utterly cast out, Israel did not comply. Idolatrous practices plagued the nation throughout Old Testament history. Ungodly influence was pervasive, and led to multiple divine judgments against the people.
Nothing has changed. God’s view of sin remains, and his demands for His people are as strict. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). Though we are IN the world, we must not be OF the world.
The Israelite’s willingness to entertain the ungodly influences around them serve as an important object lesson to Christians today. “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition…” (1 Corinthians 10:11).
Never dismiss the dangers of worldly influence in your life. Never dismiss the warnings you hear from the spiritually minded. “These things shall not be found among you.”
