Just Ask Pharaoh
Have you ever noticed how similar the words miracle and magical sound? The devil is the master of mimicking the things of God’s kingdom and perverting them for his use. Case in point: miracle versus magical. A miracle is of God and gives God glory for amazing feats and events that defy natural laws. The other is a term used to describe things that are supernatural, but gives credit to anyone or anything but God.
When the devil rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven, it was because he had become prideful and was trying to exalt himself above God. As a result of his fall, he has constantly tried to duplicate the works of God, and if he cannot duplicate the works of God, he tries to keep God from getting credit for any of it. Therefore, when we look at the concept of magic, what we are seeing is the devil’s attempt to be like God and replace the miraculous with the “magical.”
“Look how you have fallen from your heavenly place, O shining one, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, you who conquered nations. You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend into heaven and exalt my throne above the stars of God. I will rule on the mountain of the congregation, on the highest place of the sacred mountain. I will rise past the tops of the clouds and rival the Most High God!’ Isaiah 14:12-14 (The Passion Translation, TPT)
I don’t know about you, but I detest doing anything to give the enemy credit or that promotes his agenda. I purposely refuse to use the word magic or magical, and I avoid anything that has to do with it. If a movie has magic as a part of the plot or theme, I choose to see something else. Even if a book or cartoon showcases the supernatural and calls it magic or anything similar, I pass it by and find something else. The reason for me is that the devil cannot even come close to duplicating anything God does. The devil’s attempt is always a cheap copy- to partake in it is like choosing a piece of glass over a diamond.
The world is duped and is drawn to things that are magical. They flock to movies that feature characters casting spells or using supernatural abilities. They read books about magic potions and mental telepathy. They look to the stars to tell them about the future. The tragedy of it all is that they miss the miraculous that is right in front of them. They become sceptical if a believer talks about the healing power of the Lord or if he says that he hears God speak to him. And even sadder- some Christians scoff at the miraculous works of God that are still at work today.
As a believer, if you want to experience the supernatural, don’t look to magic for it. Instead, ask God to make Himself real to you in the awe-inspiring and amazing ways that only He can. If you are sincere, He won’t disappoint you. Don’t fall for the devil’s counterfeit. Choose the miracluous power of God over the cheap magic tricks of the enemy. The miraculous wins over the magical every time. Just ask Pharaoh.
“This is the finger of God!” the magicians exclaimed to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart remained hard. He wouldn’t listen to them, just as the Lord had predicted. Exodus 8:19 (New Living Translation, NLT)
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For a powerful study on the miraculous power of God trumping the magic of the devil, read Exodus chapters 7 through 12.
