Predicting the Future

“Let now the astrologers, those who prophesy by the stars, those who predict by the new moons, stand up and save you … They have become like stubble, fire burns them; they cannot save themselves from the power of the flame.”—Isaiah 47:13–14 NASB

During the time of Isaiah, the Babylonians had every reason to feel confident and secure. A powerful army protected their vast empire. Babylon itself was the largest and most magnificent city in the ancient world. And it all was supported by their concept of religion.

Scholar Joan Oates describes how Babylonians believed that man was created to serve the gods. “Each Babylonian had his own personal god or goddess to whom he offered prayers and sacrifices.” Priests regularly recited incantations and performed rituals to ward off evil powers, understand the future, and change the course of events.

Men who practiced divination could become powerful. Babylonians believed that their gods “shaped the destinies of mankind.” Through divination, they could “ascertain the will of the gods.” They looked for omens everywhere, from the actions of animals to celestial events as simple as rain and thunder.

Many people today are like these ancient Babylonians, looking for comfort and direction through false religions, the occult, astrology, and other practices. They think they can have their personal gods and predict the future. But as Isaiah warned the Babylonians, there is only one God. We must serve Him and Him alone.

Make sure you place your hope in God. Do not look to the gods of this world or be distracted by idols and false religions. God knows the future. Trust completely in Him. Stand on His Word.

Reflection Question: Compose a prayer entrusting your future to God.