EXPLORE IT - Genesis 44:1-45:15

Now more than ever, our culture is interested in “spiritual things.”  We place our faith in horoscopes, palm readings, and psychics to find out answers to our questions, when we’ll find love, and if we should make a drastic change in our career endeavor.  We pull out Ouija boards and Tarot cards to speak to spirits, always looking for answers and direction.  

Looking to the spiritual world for direction is nothing new.  In our passage this week, Genesis 44:1-45:15, we see Joseph’s cup being placed in Benjamin’s sack.  This cup is said to be used “for divination.”  Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or of the unknown through occult or supernatural means. 

This kind of cup, possibly more of a bowl, would be used for oleomancy (pouring oil into water), hydromancy (pouring water into oil), or lecanomancy (generally pouring liquids into containers).  After pouring these liquids into a cup, the diviner would interpret the shapes that were made.  The interpretations would foretell war or peace, health or sickness, success or failure.  We’re not sure if Joseph really participated in divination or if this is just a strategy to emphasize the importance of the stolen item.

All kinds of divination are forbidden in Scripture (Leviticus 19:26).  We are told to stay away from sorcery and witchcraft, mediums and spiritists, and those who consult the dead (Deuteronomy 18:10-11).  As Christians, we have the source of truth, God.  He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6, italics mine).  While reading horoscopes and engaging in party games may seem harmless, we are instructed to stay far away.  Whether you believe divination contacts spirits, the dead, demons, or nothing, we are instructed to leave it alone.

God is the only source we are to pursue for direction, answers, and inspiration.  If God is truth, all else is false.  If God is the way, all else is misguiding.  If God is life, all else leads to death. 

Please hear my heart on this…seek God in all things and leave divination alone.

Blessings,
Pastor Amy