Demonic Dummies

# 378 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 1Sa 28:3b, “And Saul had put the mediums and the spiritists out of the land. (1 Sam 28:3b) So far in this series on the occult, I have been looking at verses in the Old Testament. The only New Testament incident involving a “medium” type person is found in Acts 16:16-18, “Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, "These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation." 18 And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And he came out that very hour.” The Greek word used here for divination means a gateway or a doorway. This girl was used as an entrance or a go-between, a medium if you will, for a demonic spirit. Mediums are also referred to in scripture as people with “familiar spirits,” and the Hebrew word for a “familiar spirit” means ventriloquist. In short she was the dummy in this demonic ventriloquist act. She was used by her earthly masters to contact a spirit who was familiar with the paying customer. May the reader and the listener take note. Demons are ever observing our actions and can reveal much about our lives through the person who has given themselves up to the dark side. In this sense, mediums are more legit than the world wants to give them credit for. Their observations about past events in your life are as reliable as the spirit (the demon) who is familiar with your activities. Nonetheless, they are evil. So think this through before you seek advice from the occult. If this is harmless activity, why did Paul seek to cast the demon out in the name of Jesus? It's not harmless! In fact it is dangerous! Why look to someone who works for the father of lies and can only comment on past activity and then use that information to try and paint a picture of your future? Why not turn to the One who is true and not only observes your actions, but also knows your heart? Why not turn to the One who holds your future in His nail scarred hands? Turn to Jesus, and if you want to become familiar with a spirit, let it be the Holy Spirit!