It’s incredible how much people love supernatural manifestations and spectacle. By nature, we are taught to see what we believe in, and in science courses since childhood, we are also taught physics and chemistry, which is why some people don’t believe in God because it’s not physics or chemistry.
In 2 Kings 5, there is a passage that teaches us a lot, which recounts the healing of Naaman. He was a general in the Syrian army, a very valiant person but leprous. The Syrians did not worship God or believe in God, but as one of his maidservants told him that if he went to Israel and sought the prophet, he could be healed of his leprosy. When he arrived, the prophet Elisha sent word to him to go and bathe seven times in the Jordan River, and let’s analyze his response:
“But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, ‘Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy. Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?’ So he turned and went away in a rage.” 2 Kings 5:11-12
What was Naaman expecting? A SIGN. A SPECTACLE. SOMETHING SUPERNATURAL TO SEE.
WHAT DID JESUS SAY TO THOSE WHO WANTED TO SEE SIGNS?
When the Lord Jesus Christ preached, the Jews also expected signs and spectacle. To those who were expecting signs, the Lord was unequivocal on several occasions:
“He answered and said to them, ‘An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.‘” Matthew 12:3
And during his passion, when he was sent to Herod, Herod wanted to see a miracle or sign from him:
“Now Herod was exceedingly glad when he saw Jesus; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him.” Luke 23:8
In all these passages, it is evident that those who desire to see a sign are not given one. And it seems that if a sign had been given to them, it would have served no purpose.
Jesus also referred to the story of the rich man and Lazarus. In that story, the rich man, once he was in Hades and was tormented in the flame, spoke with Abraham asking him to send Lazarus to show them as a sign that heaven and hell exist. He said that if someone like Lazarus were to rise from the dead and testify to them, they would turn from their wicked ways. But Abraham told him that if they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they would not be persuaded even if someone were to rise from the dead:
“And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’” Luke 16:30-31
SIGNS IN THESE TIMES
In the Word, we are taught again and again that there will be false spirits and false teachers around the world who will perform signs and wonders:
“Test all things; hold fast what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” 1 John 4:1-3
And the Lord Jesus Christ himself warned us:
“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:24
Today, these manifestations are very common. Everywhere we hear about people who claim to be prophets, apostles, or messengers of God. The proof of their truth is if they are keeping God’s law and are grounded in the Word of God.
Others lay hands and claim to have the power to bring people down, while some proclaim holy laughter, holy dances, and other manifestations that are not only UNBIBLICAL but also seek to make a spectacle of themselves to attract people who do not know the Word of God. It is not enough to perform miracles or signs. These are not conclusive evidence that one possesses the Spirit of God, as demonstrated by the Scriptures, because there have always been magicians, illusionists, and people who have been able to perform signs. These will continue to exist in the future.
“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.” Revelation 16:13
Paradoxically, just as a frog catches a fly with its tongue, these false prophets or leaders will try to trap many in their nets of deception through persuasion and their spectacle.
That is why the Lord told us that not everyone who proclaims Him will enter the kingdom of heaven.
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.‘” Matthew 7:21-23
THE BUSINESS BEHIND THESE FALSE PROPHETS
The Apostle Paul also defines what these people are like and how they disguise themselves:
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-14
The term “angel of light” indicates that they will appear as holy, honorable people, followers of the truth, but in reality, they will be people guided by Satan. Normally, these people and their organizations are pursuing financial gain, and here is a final reflection:
Where in the Bible did Jesus, an apostle, or a prophet ask for money or accept any gift for performing a healing, miracle, or preaching? Rather, they always rejected them. Returning to the case of the prophet Elisha and Naaman, Naaman wanted to give him a gift for his healing, and Elisha emphatically refused:
“Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his aides, and came and stood before him; and he said, ‘Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; now therefore, please take a gift from your servant.’ But he said, ‘As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing.’ And he urged him to take it, but he refused.” 1 Kings 5:15-16
In no passage of the New Testament is there a single case of Jesus or the apostles asking for or accepting gifts for their healings, miracles, resurrections, etc. I repeat, not a single case. So, we have a clear sign that if someone asks for money, it is not in accordance with the Scriptures, and we should flee. The other sign is that they will preach a gospel according to what people want to hear, not seeking holiness but accommodating or justifying carnality with the Word, which is just what many people want to hear:
“And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.” 2 Peter 2:2-3
“For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:4
CONCLUSION
Dear reader, look for a church not because they perform signs, not because they have many members, not because there is a good orchestra. Look for a church where they adhere to the Holy Scriptures and where love prevails. Entrust yourself to God, and the Holy Spirit will guide you.
