Leviticus 19 NIV 26b “Do not practice divination or seek omens.” 28a “Do not . . . put tattoo marks on yourselves.” 31a “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritualists . . . “
In Leviticus God gave Moses many rules and regulations for the Israelites to follow in order to show obedience, obtain forgiveness, and honor Him. They proved to be incredibly challenging and impossible for them to obey. It caused enmity between God and His chosen people.
Jesus changed everything. No longer did salvation come from Mosaic law, but by believing that Jesus is the Messiah and making Him Lord of one’s life.
What’s difficult for me is knowing which Mosaic laws were obsoleted by Jesus being the New Covenant. It’s obvious the animal sacrifices are no longer required, as Jesus served as the ultimate sacrifice for all believers. However, it’s equally obvious the Ten Commandments are as valid today as when Moses descended Mount Sinai with the two tablets.
The above verses, which were from God directly to Moses, directed the Israelites to not practice divination, seek omens, get tattoos, turn to mediums or seek out spiritualists. Do these rules apply to us today–thousands of years removed from when He ordered them?
I suggest they do. Most of them are interrelated. They indicate to me that one should not do anything that opens one’s life to be influenced by evil spirits. It’s why a Christian should not consult fortune tellers or palm readers or mediums or Tarot card readers, use Ouija boards, follow astrology, etc. They may appear to be innocent activities, but since God spoke specifically about such practices, we should regard them as being dangerous.
Modern people think it’s archaic to believe in a spiritual dimension, but such thinking is foolish. I submit the spiritual world is more real than our physical world, but operating in coexistence with it. If you don’t accept this premise, then you have absolutely no reason to believe in heaven, hell, angels, God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit. You can’t have it both ways.
The one stand-out rule that is different from all the others regards tattoos. I get the other warnings about evil spirits, but this one is more difficult to understand. What could possibly be wrong with a tattoo of a butterfly, a unicorn, a loved one’s name, a Celtic love knot, etc.? Quite honestly, I do not know. However, I’m willing to avoid getting a tattoo in order to prevent the possibility of disappointing God.
How do you feel about God’s rules to Moses? Do you think some of them still apply to us today?
Prayer: Dear God, we pray for forgiveness whenever we disappoint You. Lead us to be the people You want us to be. Amen