Witchcraft and The True Magic
Witchcraft, a term seldom spotlighted in the Bible, unfolds its significance in the cautionary tale found in 1 Samuel 28. Before exploring this intriguing event, let’s begin by understanding how witchcraft is defined. Witchcraft is normally defined as the practice of magic, often for malevolent purposes, and involves the use of spells, includes seeing into the future. In 1 Samuel 28, we will see a witch who uses magic to bring up the spirit of the prophet Samuel.
Witchcraft in the Bible
“Then Saul said to his servants, ‘Seek for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.’ And his servants said to him, ‘Behold, there is a woman who is a medium at En-dor.'” 1 Samuel 28:7 (NASB1995)
King Saul, the first king of Israel, was about to face utter defeat. Despite warnings about his rebellion, Saul turned to a witch in a desperate attempt to bridge the gap between the living and the dead. In doing so, he ignored Leviticus 19:31, which sternly warns against such practices. Saul, once seeking God through the prophet Samuel, now sought answers from the forbidden realm.
Deadly Dialog
“Then Saul disguised himself by putting on other clothes, and went, he and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night; and he said, ‘Conjure up for me, please, and bring up for me whom I shall name to you.'” – 1 Samuel 28:8 (NASB1995)
Saul, in a secret move, approached the witch for help talking to Samuel. His rebellion against God had led him to this point, as referenced in 1 Samuel 15:23a, “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry.” Now, he sought to solidify his rebellion by consulting a witch to summon Samuel’s spirit from the dead.
Realities of Witchcraft and Magic
“Then Samuel said to Saul, ‘Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?’ And Saul answered, ‘I am greatly distressed; for the Philistines are waging war against me, and God has departed from me and no longer answers me, either through prophets or by dreams; therefore I have called you, that you may make known to me what I should do.'” 1 Samuel 28: 15 (NASB1995)
Our own desires can readily pervert what God has created and turn it into evil. God prohibits communication with the dead because He doesn’t want us to be deceive and He desires to communicate directly to us. Witches, mediums, spiritists, and psychics claim to communicate with the spirit world, yet Jesus has already provided us direct communication with God through His Word and Holy Spirit.
The True Magic
“No man has seen the Father at any time, but Jesus, who is God, has explained Him to us.” John 1:18
Jesus offers us a direct line to God, not as a prophet, but as God Himself. Seeking magic for life’s guidance is unnecessary; Jesus has explained our lives through the Bible, promising a fulfilling life when we follow and obey His Word. The True Magic is that God reconciled the world to Himself, through Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19).
It All Goes Wrong
“The Lord has done accordingly as He spoke through me; for the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, to David.” 1 Samuel 28:17
The spirit of Samuel speaks the truth from God, reminding Saul that this was the end of the road for him and his kingdom. A short while later, Saul would take his own life on the battlefield. Saul’s tragic life and death serves as a cautionary tale for those who look to witches, spiritist, mediums, and psychics for counsel. Those who follow such people will find themselves in a desperate and lonely state, far from God. With Jesus, however, satisfaction and a full life await.
The True Magic: A Life Aligned with God
Here are 5 things you can do to avoid the pitfalls of seeking for guidance from witchcraft, mediums, spiritists and psychics:
- Daily Devotionals: Set aside dedicated time each day for prayer and Bible study. Cultivate a habit of seeking God’s presence and guidance through intentional moments of reflection and communion.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NASB1995)
- Scripture Guidance: Rely on the wisdom found in Scripture when making decisions, trusting that God will lead you on the right path.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB1995)
- Resist Worldly Temptations: Actively resist worldly temptations, finding strength in submitting to God and drawing closer to Him in all aspects of life.
“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:7-8 (NASB1995)
- Community Support: Surround yourself with a supportive community of believers, understanding the strength that comes from unity and mutual encouragement.
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NASB1995)
- Turn to Jesus in Distress: In times of distress or uncertainty, resist the urge to turn to worldly solutions. Instead, turn to Jesus, who offers comfort, guidance, and a refuge in every storm. Trust that He is the ultimate source of wisdom and strength.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NASB1995)
Choosing Light Over Darkness
King Saul’s life highlights the dangers of turning to forbidden practices like witchcraft. By embracing Jesus as our ultimate source of guidance and following His teachings, we can avoid the pitfalls that lead to desperation and bad decision making. Let our lives reflect the light of God’s Word, drawing near to Him and experiencing the satisfaction and fullness of life that only Jesus can provide.
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