Isaiah 8:19

Sam Jones Isaiah 8:19

"And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? For the living to the dead!"

With SEEK being the focus for this year's devotions, this passage challenges us and asks us the poignant question of, where are you seeking guidance? Are we seeking guidance from wizards or mediums? In biblical times many folks sought answers about the future from wizards or sorcerers and other "magical arts." And the muttering of enchantments was a common practice to heal wounds or to cure sickness. These sources of guidance remind me of the more modern day "black magic" of voodoo or of jungle witch doctors or of using a Ouija board. These supposed soothsayers or other mystic sources were no better a solution in seeking foresight than were the dead. And why should we seek answers from the dead?

Those that seek answers from these listed sources have sought guidance from every source except the right one. I think that Isaiah suggests, somewhat caustically, that we consult God's instruction and testimony. And what better instruction is there than the scriptures? There we can read God's Commandments and can testify to the many great things that God has done. We are made alive by the grace of God, and we can always speak with God in our prayers.

Our Heavenly Father, thank you for being a God with whom we can comfortably consult in prayer. I only hope that we seek guidance in you, as you can provide direction to our life in the way that only you know is best. In Your Holy Name, AMEN.