Ask a Fortune Teller
Is there a way out of this darkness we find ourselves in? I know some people ask a fortune teller? or look at their astrology sign for advice.
You can listen to this podcast on Hope Stream Radio: Ask A Fortune Teller.
In my study of Isaiah I see many familiarities with our situations today.
Listen to Isaiah 8:19 from The Message
When people tell you, “Try out the fortunetellers.
Consult the spiritualists.
Why not tap into the spirit-world,
get in touch with the dead?”
Does this sound familiar?
Have you read the papers? – the Internet. There are always pages for Astrology. People ask, “What sign are you?” And there are still fortune tellers too.
The word “luck” is bandied about everywhere. “Good luck.” “Oh you were lucky.” “As luck would have it.”
People in the time of Isaiah had lost their belief in God.
They searched for answers in other places – even fortune tellers. But they were the wrong places. They suffered from invasion and hunger. They felt distressed with all that was happening around them.
Today we see the distress in people – God’s people too. What’s the answer? (tweet this)
Are they looking in the right places? I think maybe not.
If we look at the books lining the shelves in bookstores. The “self-help” section is full. And look at all the new age therapies.
But it’s interesting that the secular world at this time in our history is also looking at meditation, peace, focus, commitment, community, love, friendships. Don’t those sound like terms from God’s Word?
But did the Israelites ask God for help? Did they humble themselves to acknowledge the need for God? NO they did not.
Where does the world look for answers?
They look to movie stars, sport stars, scientists, businessmen and the charismatic words of leaders. They check out spiritualists, karma, and others.
Did the people of Israel do the same thing? YES
Listen to Isaiah 8:21-22
Frustrated and famished,
they try one thing after another.
When nothing works out they get angry,
cursing first this god and then that one,
Looking this way and that,
up, down, and sideways—and seeing nothing,
A blank wall, an empty hole.
They end up in the dark with nothing.
But where does Isaiah tell them to look?
Isaiah 8:20
Tell them, “No, we’re going to study the Scriptures.”
They are told to look to the Scriptures – God’s Word. Because we are blessed with the Old Testament and the New Testament we can see more than the people in Isaiah’s time.
How are we going to get out of the darkness in this world? (Tweet this)
The same as what Isaiah told God’s people:
Ask God and study His Word.
This is relevant for us today. If you are in distress cry out to God and study His Word in the Bible.
The people in Isaiah’s time did not have the light of Jesus yet. We do. We have no excuses.
We have Father, Son and Holy Spirit – our Triune God. We can speak and ask directly to God through Jesus. We can freely study the Word of God.
We have no reasons to live in darkness. The Light has come.
The Light is here. Thanks be to God.
May I pray for you and me?
Lord Jesus, we acknowledge that we need you. We really need you. Please enter into our thoughts, our emotions and our actions. Teach us to ask for help and teach us that daily reading of Your Word will strengthen and guide us. In Your Name, Jesus I pray. Amen.
Until next time if you feel you are in darkness, look to the light of Jesus. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Pick up a Bible and start reading.
Are you looking for a Bible Study that will make you think? Check out:
Based on Scripture this study will help you find your way by using God’s Word.