I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Deuteronomy 18-20.

    Moses warned the Children of Israel not to imitate the detestable practices of the people living in the land. He highlights two such practices, sacrificing their children and consulting fortunetellers and sorcerers. It was because those people practiced these detestable practices that God drove them out of the land and gave it to the Israelites. We should take a lesson from this and avoid the detestable practices of those living around us who do not worship the Lord. Whenever I read these passages about the people driven out of the Promised Land sacrificing their children I am reminded of abortion in the modern world. So many of the problems of today’s society stem from that one sin.

    Moses proceeds to tell us how we can distinguish between fortunetellers and prophets who speak in the name of the Lord. We must listen to the words spoken by prophets sent by God, but how do we know if someone is such a prophet? The answer is simple. When someone claims to be speaking in God’s name when they make a prediction, that prediction will come true. If it does not, they are a false prophet. Now, as I read this, sometimes a prophet will speak in the name of the Lord, and sometimes that prophet may merely be making predictions based on their own understanding. It is important that prophets make a clear distinction between these two things. It is important that we pay attention to when those who claim to be prophets make predictions. If we continue to lend credence to those who have falsely prophesied we bring dishonor to the name of the Lord.