SCRIPTURE: DEUTERONOMY 13
BIBLE VERSES:
“If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. That prophet or dreamer must be put to death for inciting rebellion against the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. That prophet or dreamer tried to turn you from the way the Lord your God commanded you to follow. You must purge the evil from among you.” (Deuteronomy 13:1-5)
WORSHIPING OTHER GODS (vs. 1-18)
If a prophet, a dreamer, you own brother, your wife, son or daughter or any wicked man entices you to follow and worship other gods, do not yield or listen to him. Instead, you must inquire and investigate it thoroughly. And if it is true and proven that he had done this detestable thing, do not spare or shield him. He must be put to death so that the Lord will turn His fierce anger and show you mercy. Keep all His commands and do what is right so that you will be blessed.
THOUGHTS:
During Moses’s day, someone claimed to have miraculous gifts was turning the people away from God. Today, we should be careful of leaders who tempts us away from the Lord and His Word.
Do not be lured by false leaders who tried to get you to worship other gods even if they are your family members, relatives, or close friends. Love for our relatives should not take precedence over our devotion to the Lord.
A city that completely rejected God was to be destroyed. However, we should check the facts and find the truth before taking any drastic action.