How does consulting the medium contrast with Deuteronomy 18:10-12's teachings? What Deuteronomy 18:10-12 Says “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. 12 For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD; and because of these detestable things the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) Why God Forbids Consulting Mediums • It bypasses the living God and seeks knowledge from forbidden sources (Leviticus 19:31). • Mediums traffic in deceptive, demonic power (1 Corinthians 10:20). • It imitates the pagan nations God was expelling, rather than modeling holiness (Deuteronomy 18:12). • It reveals distrust in God’s sufficiency to guide His people (Proverbs 3:5-6). • It invites divine judgment; Saul “died for his unfaithfulness… for consulting a medium” (1 Chronicles 10:13-14). A Real-Life Contrast: Saul and the Medium of Endor • 1 Samuel 28:7-20 records Israel’s king disguising himself to seek a medium when the LORD no longer answered him. • Saul’s act stood in direct rebellion against Deuteronomy 18. • The encounter produced fear, condemnation, and a pronouncement of death—never the peace God gives when He speaks (Isaiah 8:19-22). • Saul illustrates the tragic end of ignoring clear command and turning to occult counsel. Key Differences Between Scripture’s Way and Mediumship • Source of guidance – God’s way: the LORD speaks through His Word and Spirit (Psalm 119:105; John 16:13). – Mediumship: unclean spirits masquerade as the dead (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). • Foundation – God’s way: covenant faithfulness and trust (Deuteronomy 29:29). – Mediumship: curiosity, fear, or control. • Outcome – God’s way: life, peace, wisdom (James 3:17). – Mediumship: confusion, bondage, judgment (Galatians 5:19-21). The Positive Alternative: Seeking God’s Guidance • Saturate your mind with Scripture—God’s revealed will (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Pray honestly and persistently; He promises wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5). • Seek counsel from mature believers, not occult practitioners (Proverbs 15:22). • Trust the Holy Spirit to lead, not departed spirits (Romans 8:14). Consequences Spelled Out in Scripture • Mediumship is called “detestable” (Deuteronomy 18:12). • Participation breaks fellowship with God (Isaiah 59:2). • It leads to spiritual and sometimes physical death (Saul, 1 Chronicles 10:13). • Deliverance is found only in repentance and wholehearted return to the LORD (Acts 19:17-20; 1 John 1:9). In every era God’s message stands unchanged: consulting mediums directly violates Deuteronomy 18:10-12, replaces divine truth with demonic deception, and carries grave consequences. The better, blessed path is to look to the living Word and the Spirit of God for every need of guidance. |
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