Scarecrow In A Melon Patch

Jeremiah 10:5 – Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good. (NIV)

Isaiah 41:21 – "Present your case," says the Lord. "Set forth your arguments," says Jacob's King. "Bring in your idols to tell us what is going to happen." (NIV)

As a young girl, before receiving Christ as my personal Saviour, I visited several fortune tellers, experimented with Ouija boards, and dabbled in witchcraft. I even attended one séance conducted by a team of experienced mediums. But thanks to God's grace, He rescued me from the scarecrow I substituted in place of the true God. Then with the Holy Spirit's guidance, I started studying the book of Revelation which declares, "For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Revelation 19:10 NIV) It was a turning point in my life when I turned from dead idols to serve the living God.

Today's Scripture challenges us to present our case. What other holy book can compare to the Bible? The Bible alone offers the most powerful evidence of fulfilled prophecies. Research shows that there are over 300 Old Testament predictions of the Messiah's first coming, some of which are very specific. The statistical odds of one man fulfilling only eight of those prophecies are astounding, yet Jesus Christ fulfilled them all! According to the late mathematician, Peter Stoner, author of the book Science Speaks, the total probability without God is 10 to the 17th power (a 1 followed by 17 zeros).

The occult can be especially appealing, particularly to young people searching for direction in life. It can be deceiving when some predictions actually come true. Sometimes, results can even be seen in magical formulae, as I had experienced firsthand. However, the Scriptures make it clear that only God can know the future, and only He is right 100 percent of the time. He has revealed everything we need to know through His holy Word. As Christians, let us be mindful not to allow scarecrows to replace God's truth.

2 Peter 1:19 – And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. (NIV)

Let us look with hope to the only One Who holds our future in His mighty hands.

Prayer: Father, we thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, Who is the fulfillment of Your Word and the promise of life eternal. Sovereign Lord, none of us knows what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future. May we look to You alone as the source of all true inspiration and blessing. With praise and thanksgiving in our hearts, we worship and honour You, our God and our King. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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