Deuteronomy 13:2-11
New International Version
2 and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” 3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. 5 That prophet or dreamer must be put to death for inciting rebellion against the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. That prophet or dreamer tried to turn you from the way the Lord your God commanded you to follow. You must purge the evil from among you.
6 If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you love, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known, 7 gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, from one end of the land to the other), 8 do not yield to them or listen to them. Show them no pity. Do not spare them or shield them. 9 You must certainly put them to death. Your hand must be the first in putting them to death, and then the hands of all the people. 10 Stone them to death, because they tried to turn you away from the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 11 Then all Israel will hear and be afraid, and no one among you will do such an evil thing again.
The Israelites were warned not to listen to false prophets or to anyone else who tried to get them to worship other gods. Even if this person was a close friend or a family member, they were not to listen. There are half truths that can get you off balance, and they can sneak up on you. Many times the untruths come in whispering doubt, and whispers can be very persuasive, especially if they come from a loved one or a good friend. Work to know the difference and not let your devotion to God be swayed off track. Overcome whispered temptations by pouring out your heart to God in prayer and by diligently studying God’s Word, the Bible.
Spirit and Truth
