by esther phinias | 22 August 2022 08:46 pm08
An Exploration of Biblical Truth and Spiritual Discernment
Deuteronomy 18:10–11 (ESV)
There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortress or interprets omens, or a sorcerer
or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead.
In this passage, God issues a strong warning to the people of Israel not to participate in pagan practices common among surrounding nations. One such practice is “observing omens”, which means looking for signs in nature, events, or coincidences that supposedly reveal hidden knowledge or predict the future.
This includes superstitions like fearing black cats, owls, or bats, or believing that tripping, sneezing, or seeing certain animals is a bad sign. In many cultures today—including some Christian communities—people still fall into the trap of interpreting such occurrences as spiritual warnings. These beliefs are rooted not in Scripture, but in fear, folklore, and demonic deception.
The Heart of the Matter: Trust and Worship
Theologically, the issue at stake is trust and worship. When someone seeks meaning or guidance from omens, they are placing their trust in something other than God. The Bible says:
Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Observing omens subtly shifts trust away from God’s Word and providence and turns it toward the created world, which can lead to idolatry. In fact, Scripture warns that such practices are an abomination to God:
Deuteronomy 18:12 (ESV)
For whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you.
Christ’s Victory Over Superstition
For those who are in Christ, there is no place for fear of signs or superstitions. Jesus Christ has defeated all the powers of darkness.
Colossians 2:15 (ESV)
He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
This means that, as believers, we don’t need to consult spiritualists, dream interpreters, or omens to know our future. God has already revealed all we need to know through His Word, and He guides us by His Spirit:
Romans 8:14 (ESV)
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Animals and objects—such as owls, bats, black cats, and shooting stars—have no spiritual power in themselves. In Christ, we are no longer slaves to fear:
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
What Is the Real Sign of Judgment?
The true biblical “signs” that danger or judgment may be near are not found in nature, but in the moral and spiritual state of our hearts. Sin is the clear indicator of coming judgment.
Galatians 5:19–21 (ESV)
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery… envy, drunkenness… those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
If someone lives in unrepentant sin—whether it’s gossip, lust, drunkenness, or idolatry—that is a far greater danger than crossing paths with a black cat. But if we walk in righteousness and our conscience is clear before God, there is no need to fear.
Proverbs 28:1 (ESV)
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Final Warning and Encouragement
If you find yourself turning to diviners, dream interpreters, or signs to understand your future or explain your circumstances, the Bible says plainly: this is a sin that provokes God’s wrath. Instead, turn to Him in repentance, and He will lead you in peace.
Isaiah 8:19 (ESV)
And when they say to you, ‘Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,’ should not a people inquire of their God?
God’s will is not found in omens, but in His revealed Word. Let us turn away from all forms of occultism and trust in the Lord alone.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
May the Lord help us remain faithful, discerning, and free from every form of deception.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2022/08/22/what-does-it-mean-to-observe-bad-omens/
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