Does anyone out there know a bona fide palm reader, fortune-teller or tarot card reader?
I really want to meet one and find out what they think of Jesus.
Many of you have likely jumped to the conclusion that it would be foolishness. Perhaps it is, but I really want to know if these people are just putting on a show or they really have demonic powers?
No, I have not given my life over to the dark lord. I’m just trying to get a handle on what demon possession really looks like in Western society. Let me explain.
The past few weeks I have been studying the life of Timothy for a sermon I’m doing in September. Acts 16 through 20 is often given as a resource by most commentaries when studying Timothy. Not so much because it speaks of him frequently, but that he traveled with Paul during that time. Well, soon after Paul picks up Timothy in Acts 16, something crazy happens!
“16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” 18 She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.” (Acts 16:16-18 – BibleGateway.com)
You see, this gal was a true, demon possessed fortune-teller. If I read this correctly, a true demon possessed fortune-teller will know whether or not someone is a follower of Jesus. From this passage, I can acknowledge that an evil spirit should be able to sniff out the Holy Spirit!
Fast-forward to last week, walking through Banff, AB and lo and behold, a tarot card reader had set up shop at the Farmer’s Market. (This is a post within in itself, but we won’t go there.) I was immediately taken back to Acts 16 and wondering, would she know I was a Believer? In her presence, would she lash out in anger or invite me in? Is she putting on a show or does she have the demonic powers that we see in Acts 16? Alas, she was with a ‘client‘, which gave me good reason to chicken out. I regret it now though.
I imagine most Christians avoid these people like I did. I guess, if I read the passage correctly, Paul tried to avoid his fortune-teller as well. However, maybe by avoiding these people, there are missed opportunities. Opportunities to prove the power of Christ in the lives of some very lost people.
Then again, maybe I just want to know if I have what it takes?
QUESTION:
Have you ever been to a fortune-teller?
I actually had to read your post more than once. WOW!!!
Your ignorance is astounding. (No offence or disrespect.)
Don’t get me wrong here, there are plenty of fraudulent “fortune tellers” out there, The problem I have with your article is that you are putting “demonic possesion” together with divination in general. You are treating this as a very black and white concept. The fact is that divination is a tool used by many cultures and faiths around the world for a variety of reasons.
Let me say that again; divination is a tool. Like a hammer.
Is a hammer good or evil? Is the person weilding the hammer automatically demon possesed? Think about that for a second.
Yes, a person with a hammer may use it to pry open a door to break into someone’s house, and they have been used for murder. So, by extension, all hammers must be evil…
Wait a minute. Jesus was a carpenter. He used a hammer. Is he Evil?
Jesus was also a prophet. (Along with many others in the bible.) This means he divined future events. See where I’m going with this?
Before automatically assigning demons to all of those people in the world who do not believe like you do, maybe you should consider their intentions. I for one used to think very much like you. That line of thinking comes from a place of fear.
To answer your question, I am a proud Pagan who uses divination in my devotional work to help and counsel others. I am more than willing to answer your questions, I only ask that we treat each other respectfully. I am not demon possesed, nor am I evil. I hold no ill will towards you, and have no interest in converting you or in being converted.
The fact is, I know you in the real world, Jeremy. I’d love to turn this into an inter-faith exchange.
Quite early on in the Bible, God required Noah to build an ark. He said it should be made of wood, so I’m assuming he likely used a hammer. Soon after, God gave instruction on building a place of worship, again with wood as a main material (overlaid with gold). Again, I believe they likely used a hammer a few times. In all this time and up until now, a hammer has always been used in contact with none communicative things (wood, nails, etc.) The wood never spoke back to Noah and wood has never spoke to me!
However, also early on in Scripture, God specifically warns about the evils of “divination”, “soothsaying”, “sorcerers”, “mediums”, etc. God actually says you SHALL NOT visit or use these “tools” (as you say). The reason is because the “materials” (spirits) in which the “tools” work with are evil (according to God). God chose to communicate with the prophets (may be considered a tool), because the material was Him that was being in contact.
As a pagan, the Bible teaches that the only “material” that you’re communicating with (regardless the tool) is the devil and his demons (regardless of the tool you use). I believe the Bible to be true, mostly because of the “material” (the Holy Spirit) that’s living inside of me and speaking to me directly every day. Thanks for your thoughts!
Father in Heaven, I ask that in your infinite power your Spirit would reach down and sink deep with this man or women. I pray that your presence would pursue them with such fervor, that Satan and his demons would flee in terror. If it be your will Lord, achieve this miraculous act today. In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.