“the astrologers, the stargazers, and the monthly prognosticators” (Isa. 47:13, NKJV)
In this last group of teachings about the topic of divination we would like to continue discussing a few common practices that allow the familiar spirit access to people. At this point readers will realise that the familiar spirit is the counterfeit of the Holy Spirit. It is the false holy spirit which Jesus was typologically trying to get rid of by chasing the pigeon sellers from the temple (Matt. 21:1 Scripture names a few practices that grant this spirit of divination access to people, and we should take note of what they are. We’re starting with fortune telling through the use of heavenly bodies.
In Isa. 47:13-14 we find an explicit warning against any form of fortune telling, especially through the use of astrology: “You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; let now the astrologers, the stargazers, and the monthly prognosticators stand up and save you from what shall come upon you. Behold, they shall be as stubble, the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame; it shall not be a coal to be warmed by, nor a fire to sit before!”
This does not mean that if you read an astrology report in some magazine that you have received this spirit – remember, we are talking here about continuous exposure and the concommitant belief in the way heavenly bodies predict our fate. There are for instance people who will, out of mere interest, read a book such as Linda Goodman’s Star Signs, but not take it seriously.
If you guide your life according to astrological predictions, or for instance choose a marriage partner based on whether the stars predict that they will be a compatible companion, there are already danger signs. General exposure to this is however not necessarily demonic. But do be aware of the fact that a lot of these books and material are geared towards convincing you of the power of astrology. And obviously there will be aspects that are largely true about your life, or that interest you.
Whilst we are using the term astrology, we need to remember that there is a great difference between astrology and astronomy. The former uses the stars and heavenly bodies to predict the future. The latter is the science underlying heavenly bodies, and has no demonic connotations. In his excellent book Witness in the stars, Bullinger shows that even the star signs that we are familiar with (Pisces, Taurus, Scorpio, Libra – that are merely symbolic figures that are formed when a dotted line connects the star constellations) spell out Jesus’ entire salvation narrative.
John 16:13 remains our only source when it comes to understanding the future: “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”
- Selah: Ask the Holy Spirit if you have granted access to the familiar access through these activities.
- Read: Job 14-16
- Memorise: Job 14:4-5
- For a more in-depth understanding: Robert A. Morey’s book Horoscopes and the Christian.
