Tragedies can manifest in countless ways, affecting both physical and non-physical entities. They are capable of causing suffering, destruction, and distress. One particularly sad event that recently grabbed my attention took place at a very influential church in Northern California. To sensationalize the supernatural, they highlighted an individual who appeared to have the divine gifts of prophecy and word of knowledge. He achieved international recognition following their promotion. The gravity of this tragedy was immense, as it both slandered God’s reputation and devastated thousands.
The most upsetting part is that the Holy Spirit offered protection that would have prevented this tragedy. Peter encountered a sorcerer (false spiritual performer) named Simon in Acts 8:9-23. Simon had built an extended reputation for astonishing all levels of people in Samaria with his practice of ‘black’ magic.
The God’s Spirit used Philip to stir up a spiritual revival among the Samaritans. “Even Simon (the sorcerer) himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.” Acts 8:13 ESV.
Because this revival was so profound, church leaders in Jerusalem sent Peter and John to help disciple the new believers. When Simon (the sorcerer) realized the Spirit of God was transferred by the laying on of hands, he asked Peter if he could buy that ability so he too could lay hands on people and they would receive the Spirit. Peter discerned Simon’s evil spirit and sternly rebuked him. Simon was silenced.
When Barnabas and Saul (later named Paul) launched their first missionary trip, they too encountered a sorcerer with an evil spirit. He too quickly discerned the evil spirit in the man and cast out the demon. Again, he was silenced. I point these illustrations out so you can clearly see that among Paul’s list of spiritual gifts, he lists “…to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits …” 1 Corinthians 12:10 KJV. This divine gift allows leaders to identify authentic prophets and those with genuine words of knowledge. The leaders, for reasons unknown, neglected that gift and instead elevated a man who mined social media for personal data, leading people to believe the information came from the Holy Spirit. Severe damage to thousands of lives occurred.
It’s a tragedy when church leaders neglect a gift freely given by God to safeguard believers. They instead promoted a false prophet to advance their cause. After discovering his actions, they failed to alert the unsuspecting faithful about the charlatan. Be sure to ask God for wisdom and the ability to discern before believing someone who claims to receive messages from Him. Please know, God does truly give incredible spiritual gifts to help us.