Demonic influences—astrology, tarot cards, ouija boards, etc.—are definitely OFF LIMITS.
As Moses regroups after Pharaoh’s refusal to let the people go, and the Israelites are discouraged after their increased workload, the Spirit of God thinks it’s a good time to rehearse the long list of worthies who appealed to the king. As Winston Churchill said in the dark days of World War II, “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” At this point, we are let in on the fact that “Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three years old when they spoke to Pharaoh” (Ex 7:7). Three cheers for the seniors among us who carry on for God! So it’s time once again to confront Pharaoh. Moses and Aaron have a huge advantage; God knows exactly what’s on Pharaoh’s mind! “You understand my thought afar off” (Ps 139:2), meaning, God knows what I will conclude while I am still formulating my thoughts. On this occasion, the Lord told Moses to expect the king to say, “Show a miracle for yourselves” (Ex 7:9). So it was, and Aaron threw down his walking stick, which immediately became a serpent. But, lo and behold, the magicians did the same! Was it sleight of hand? No, for that could not explain the next act—“But Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods” (v 12). I think the key word is found in verse 11, where we read about “their enchantments.” The Hebrew word for “enchantments” is lahatim, referring to the fires used with incantations to invoke demon assistance. Yes, there are spiritual forces in the world that are not of God, “powers,…rulers of the darkness of this age,…spiritual hosts of wickedness” (Eph 6:12). But, as this story illustrates, they are no match for the Lord. How comforting to know, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world”(1 Jn 4:4).