Read Deuteronomy 13 – “Some people are so open-minded their brains fall out.” I don’t recall who said that, but it has certainly rung true to me. Our chapter deals quite seriously with those who lead others astray under the guise of open-mindedness.
The LORD allows testing in some cases to see if one’s heart is true (:3). The Israelites were called to be discerning with regards to prophets and visionaries, and put to death any who encourage rebellion against the LORD (:5). Likewise, we must remain discerning. There will be imitators. They will produce signs and wonders, but the heart of their message will not be Jesus.
We had an old friend over for Easter supper a few years back. He was dating someone new and we all sat down for the meal. After grace, the girlfriend steered the conversation towards new age experimentation. Soon we realized she was only speaking to our teenager, right there at the Easter dinner table! It was a bizarre moment and one we cut short. In the days that followed, this couple made attempts through social media to continue enticing away from the LORD and we cut all ties. “Suppose someone secretly entices you…and says, ‘Let us go worship other gods’ – gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known.” :6 The LORD knows evil people are sly. They know how to tap into FOMO… fear of missing out, as the kids say. Be on guard and ready to walk away.
Verses :12-17 speak about the towns the Israelites will occupy in the land the Lord is giving them. He says if they get reports of scoundrels leading fellow citizens astray they are to carefully examine the facts. If they discover them to be true, the entire town is to be destroyed – all people, animals and things – no plunder is to be taken, but piled up and burned in the middle of the open square. One commentary I read said this was a protection against false accusations for profit… Does God know how easy it is to get us off course or what?
Remember, this passage is specific to the Israelites as they were establishing the Promised Land, so don’t go killing anyone. Yet, I think you’ll find great and serious instruction to help you guard your own heart, to know when to walk away from temptations that would take you away from Jesus.
Judy in the Sky 