1 samuel 15 vs 23 : For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft

Memorise: “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king” (1 Samuel 15:23).

Read: Matthew 27:22-25

The story of the Israelites is an example of how a nation can suffer under self- inflicted curses. Whenever you observe that a curse is operating in your life, first find out if you are the cause. When the Jews arraigned Jesus before Pilate and demanded His crucifixion, he refused because he found Him innocent. But they persisted He must be crucified so he washed off his hands to declare his innocence. “Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children” (Matthew 27:25). This means they cursed themselves. Have you wondered why the Jews — a specially chosen nation has suffered beyond other nations of the world, yet the suffering does not seem to end? It is as a result of the curse they placed on themselves and on their children. Jesus the King of the Jews was presented to them but they rejected Him: they said they have no king and that has been upheld ever since. They continued to suffer under one ruler or the other. Any ruler that really meant well for them, died prematurely. Watch what you pronounce on yourself. “As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come” (Proverbs 26:2). This is a great news to believers especially because it helps to check the extent of charismatic witchcraft being practised by some within the body of Christ. Many are practising ‘witchcraft’ but they call it by other beautiful names. What you tag it is not as important as what it is. A witch in church is worse than a witch outside. What is witchcraft? It is the ability to manipulate and exercise control over the will of others. Such manipulations could be by demonic powers or power of influence. A wife who is always manipulating her husband to do her desires whether through making love, tears, nagging or undue pressure is practising witchcraft. Also, a pastor or leader who is always manipulating members or subordinates to marry the fellow the pastor prefers, or to do what he wants them to, is involved in witchcraft – charismatic witchcraft.

Some children manipulate their parents so as to always have their way. They may employ lies, feigned illness, distortion of information or capitalize on the love of their parents to have their way. That is witchcraft. 1 Samuel 15:23 says any child of God that rebels against God’s perfect will in any area is practising witchcraft. Have you been manipulating others? Repent of witchcraft or you will end where all witches will- hell. Everyone involved in witchcraft is under a curse!

Repent of every undue influence over others. Break the power of witchcraft over your life, family, ministry and activities.