Translate

Friday, February 28, 2014

God likes rejects

Being rejected is a painful experience. When you are rejected by strangers I suppose it is a little easier to live with. Even rejection at the hands of friends, neighbors or coworkers is a pain we can overcome. But when your own family does not want you it can really leave a deep wound that does not heal. Such was the case of Jephthah who was driven out of his home in Gilead. He was the son of a prostitute. His half brothers wanted nothing to do with him, as if it was his fault. They told him “You shall not have an inheritance in our father’s house, for you are the son of another woman.” (Judges 11:2) They cast him out of his home and he went to live with men of questionable character, the bible called them “worthless fellows” (Judges 11:3). No doubt being rejected led to these unfortunate circumstances. But God apparently likes rejects, even the ones birthed by a prostitute, out of wedlock, due to adultery.
Jephthah had one thing going for him; he was recognized as a great warrior. When the Ammonites made war with Israel, they went looking for the reject. Jephthah was wise enough to strike a deal. Jephthah told the elders of his tribe, “If you bring me home again to fight against the Ammonites, and the LORD gives them over to me, I will be your head.” (Judges 11:9) Out of desperation they agreed. Then Jephthah humbly asked God for his assistance, thus recognizing that he could not obtain victory on his own. (Judges 11:30-31) Jephthah conquered 20 cities. God gave Jephthah a complete and total victory. Under Jephthah’s rule of Israel they would not have to fear the Ammonites again. He ruled until his death and was buried in Gilead as a hero, where he was originally rejected and driven out.
God does seek the approval of men. He does not admire the most popular, the most beautiful or the strongest. He admires those that humbly seek Him and obey Him; those that are not too proud to accept that sometimes life is too hard, the problems too great and the task too important to overcome alone. These men and women find strength in God for “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”(Romans 8:37)
A few more verses to consider.
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song will I praise him.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Related articles
Posted by at No comments:

Is the Holy Spirit working in our lives?

We believe that when we accept Jesus as our Savior the Holy Spirit dwells in us and begins to work in our lives. But how can we be sure this is really happening? One key portion of scripture that deals with this question is found in Galatians 5:16-25. There Paul gives a nice easy to understand summary of what should be evident in our lives and what should not, if we are living a spirit filled life pleasing to God.
One quick look at the “do not list” and many Christians might begin to question their spirituality. Let’s see we have “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies”. (Galatians 5:19-21) Some of these are big ones that most would gasped, if they found a Christian participating in, such as sexual immorality, idolatry, sorcery, orgies, and even drunkenness, but how about some of the others. Take fits of anger for example. Does this mean that if occasionally I get angry I am not a Christian? Paul refers to these elements as “works of the flesh.” The Holy Spirit should not lead us to “fits of Anger.” Yet I am sure every Christian has had a few at least. The same goes for enmity, strife, jealousy, rivalries, dissensions, divisions and envy.
Paul also explained what should be evident if the Holy Spirit is in our lives. We should then bear the fruit of the spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.(Galatians 5:22-23) However once again just about every last self professing Christian I know, including myself, has at times lacked for at least one of these most desirable attributes. Does this me we do not have the Holy Spirit because we’ve lost our patience at the Wal-Mart checkout line?
The Apostles John and Paul have come to our rescue in explaining this apparent conflict. John first establishes that there is sin in all of us. (1 John 1:7-10) Paul then makes it clear why we still have sin. He reminds us that we are still living in our flesh. He states “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh.” (Romans 7:18) They both explain that we do not want to live by the flesh, but our desire should be to live by the Holy Spirit or as John explains the light of Jesus. (1 John 1:7, Galatians 5:16) Therefore a Christian should not live a life of sin as he is trying to live by the spirit. However he cannot completely escape his flesh. He is therefore tempted and may at times fail. But when we fail it should be rare and is always followed by sincere repentance. It should never be a game where we tell ourselves without remorse, “let us do this evil today and tomorrow we can repent.” No, we should sincerely engage in a constant struggle to live a life that pleases God. (Ephesians 6:12, Hebrews 12:3-4, Galatians 5:17) Since it is referred to as a struggle in these passages, we know that the temptations are real and the fall is possible; but Jesus knowing this to be a constant possibility taught his disciples to pray on a regular basis asking for forgiveness. The phrase from the “Our Father”, “Forgive our trespasses” reveals that Jesus knew his disciple could fail at times.
We know the Holy Spirit is working in our lives not because we are perfect but because we now have a sincere desire not to sin and our desire is to please God more than pleasing ourselves. The fruit of the Holy Spirit becomes more evident in our lives, but unfortunately we can still fail. John summed it up best with these words, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1)
Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

I know who steers the ship

The wind was howling fiercely that night upon the sea in 1902. All the men even the bravest seemed frightened as we hovelled together below the deck, except for the brave captain. He was made for the seas. They say he was born at sea and had never spent more than a day on land on account that he could not stand it. He was at the helm and was not about to give into the storm. He bravely steered through the night. Meanwhile I was shivering below with the rest of the frightened men.
It was a while before I realized a young boy in the corner sleeping. Was it really possible that someone could sleep through this storm, knowing that at any moment we might meet our end? I would march right over there to ask this young boy, but the ship rocked so furiously it made it impossible to walk at all. I studied the boy from across the room. He seemed so much at peace in the midst of all the howling, rocking and crashing of the waves. Then he smiled. I could not believe my eyes. The boy must be mad! I knew I had to know the secret. I made my way across the cabin, climbing over other men, receiving nasty looks while trying to stay on my feet. Finally I was beside him. “Hey boy, are you aware of the storm? It feels like the ship is going to be torn apart.“ The boy rubbed his eyes and yawned as if he was bored and responded, “Don’t worry Mr., we will be fine, now let me rest, there is still plenty of night.” I couldn’t believe my ears, this was either the bravest or the most naïve boy I had ever known. I gave the lad a good shove and said “Boy don’t you hear the sea; it’s tearing the ship apart!” The boy patiently looked at me and with a peace I could not perceive said, “I know who steers the ship. He has never failed me. He is my captain and my dad. Go rest and in the morning we will all see the sun.”
Life is filled with storms, difficulties, trials, and problems that seem so immense they are like storms threatening to destroy the ship that is our life. But if we can have faith in the captain of our ship, Jesus Christ, we can still rest easy and be at peace knowing that He is guiding us through the storm and is taking us on the course that He knows is best for us. Sometimes we might perceive that another course might have been easier and with fewer difficulties. But we cannot forget that the destination is even more important. God is leading us where we must go and regardless of how hard it may be at times it is what is best for us. We will arrive safely and will be grateful He delivered us to a most desired and blessed place. Joseph (Genesis 37:18-36, Genesis 39:19-21), Moses (Exodus 2), Daniel (Daniel 1, 6), Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego (Daniel 3), David (1 Samuel 19) and countless others suffered though horrific events, persecution and frightful challenges, but He had a great purpose for their lives. He will fulfill his purpose in our lives and we will sail through the storms with our faithful Captain. (Psalm 138:8)
© Samuel Melendez. All rights reserved
Related articles
Posted by at No comments:

My treasure

My treasure
It is a treasure some cannot see
It is eternal, wait patiently
I did not buy it with wealth
Didn’t steal it with stealth
Nor was the splendid hope by accident
But planned from old by the ancient
See now it is the greatest gift
My soul without end to uplift
For it was He who died
Beaten, whipped and crucified
By faith I accept the Lord
Forgiven to God restored
With Him forever I will be
It is my treasure, do you now see?
© Samuel Melendez. All rights reserved
Posted by at No comments:

The Sin of Pride

They were perfectly made.  Perhaps the finest human specimens the world has ever seen, literally formed by God’s hands one at a time.  The Garden of Eden, a paradise without flaw was their home. All of earth was theirs. They walked with God and with none of the evils of our society whatsoever to be concerned about. Sickness, death, pollution, violence and crime were not known to them.  What more could Adam and Eve desire? They certainly didn’t deserve more. But thanks to the devil, their imagination was sparked and they must have thought “what if we could be like God?” (Genesis 3:1-7) One could argue that their first sin was pride. They believed that they were more than what they truly were and somehow had the capacity to be like God.
The devil also had the same problem. He too was made by God to be brilliant and beautiful. (Ezekiel 28:12-18) His original name was Lucifer. He was the Angel of Light. However this was not enough for Lucifer. He too thought he could be like God and sought to set his throne above God’s stars. (Isaiah 14:12-18) When we think so much of ourselves we start to believe that we deserve more and must have more. This leads to many more sins as we take or attempt to take what we should not. Lucifer attempted to take the heavens, Adam and Eve took the fruit and disobeyed.
Perhaps one good defense against sin and pride is to understand that we most likely already have much more than what we truly deserve. We must consider all that has been freely given to us. From the moment of conception our life is a gift from God, nurtured by our Mothers. We come into this word defenseless and in need of constant care happily provided by our parents or guardians. We were not only fed food for our bodily consumption, but knowledge, ideas and opinions fed our minds. Many of us learned from young of God’s great love and received one of the greatest gifts, the knowledge of His word. However all of these gifts pale in comparison to the gift of eternal life provided by our lord and savior Jesus Christ when he paid for our sins on Calvary. After all we have freely received, how much more can we say we deserve? Let us combat prideful notions with sincere gratitude for what we have been given and all we have been divinely promised.
Armed with gratitude we can safely pursue ambitions. Pride should not be confused with ambition. God gave us talents, abilities and intelligence and it is our responsibility to develop them. There is nothing wrong with trying to improve our position in life or our well being.  However we must make such attempts with the right attitude and for the best reasons. We should maintain our humility, understanding that while we aspire for more it is not because we deserve more, but that God has provided us with many more opportunities. God willing someday we will earn a greater position after much honest work and education. Hopefully our purpose for such ambitions is to benefit not only ourselves but our loved ones and all those around us.
Related articles
Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Salvation Paid

Salvation Paid

His hour to conquer
Pray the Abba father
He knew too well the pain
A torture none could sustain
Then they came with shield and sword
Took my savior, shepherd and Lord
They didn’t see, If only they could
Where the  creator of all stood
He who would save the world
From the priest insults hurled
Hit and spat upon his face
But He held his peace for grace
Then Rome His flesh did whip
Over and over, His skin did rip
Torn and bloody no mercy for Him
They looked on the spectacle so grim
“Take this cross up to Calvary!”
Weak defeated thought His enemy
Nailed my Lord to the cross
His own, thought all was lost
“It is finished!” was the cry
Miraculous darkness covered the sky
The veil was torn
To the tomb we mourn
Oh what night of tears
Disciples left in fear
But then came oh glorious day
Our first Easter Sunday
Still in tears to the tomb
Upon their faces gloom
But it was not to be defeat
Empty tomb, He’s done the deed
Conquered death for all eternity
Conquered sin for all Humanity
Wicked Devil defeated
Power over us unseated
King of Kings is my Lord
Praise Him all in full accord
© Samuel Melendez. All rights reserved
Posted by at No comments:
Labels:

Johnny throws a stink bomb

“Johnny just do it!” Marcus said. Johnny contemplated the stink bomb in his hand and wondered. He desperately wanted to get out of it. Johnny was popular in his own way. There were certainly enough classmates that thought he was cool and really looked up to him, although he was not as popular as the starting quarterback of the varsity team.  Now He had the unenviable assignment of throwing a stink bomb into Mr. Bender’s classroom, while he was teaching. The smell although not destructive would certainly disrupt the class. Although it was risky, what Johnny hated most was that it was Mr. Bender.  He was a demanding teaching that often would assign the longest Homework and give by far the hardest exams. But he taught American History and Johnny loved the course. He had aced it and his work had been routinely praised as “well thought out”, “an in depth analysis”  “highly developed” and “especially creative”. Johnny had enjoyed his moment in the light with Mr. Bender and all those good memories were floating in his head.  He could hear his favorite teacher discussing the causes of the American Revolution.  Johnny thought to himself “I can’t do this to Mr. Bender.” Then a sweet voice carried across the hall, “Hey Johnny what you got there?” It was Marie, the prettiest girl in his official class. She was Johnny’s dream girl. No way could he appear to be soft in front of her. Now his best friend Marcus repeated the order “Johnny just do it” and added “What are you chicken now, scared of old Bender?”  Johnny looked at his friend and then at Marie and released it. Like the cowards they were they all took off running.
Soon Johnny found himself in the school yard and thought it best to just head home. That evening Marcus called “Man that was a thing of beauty. Why did you take off? Dude nobody knows who did it. Just Marie and she has a thing for you.” The guilt was so great Johnny didn’t even realize what Marcus had said about Marie. Johnny didn’t want to talk about it. Johnny told Marcus “I’m not feeling well Marco, talk to you later” and he hung up.
Two weeks later the guilt was still driving Johnny crazy.  Now he stood before his favorite teacher, frozen and speechless. Old Mr. Bender, grey haired and bearded and wearing a brown cardigan sweater looked up and smiled. “Nice seeing you Johnny, few students had such a deep and extensive grasp of American History. I sincerely enjoyed our discussions. I really thought you enjoyed the course as well.” It’s as if he knew and just wanted to make this more difficult for Johnny. Now came the icing on the cake “Hey Johnny didn’t I write a letter of recommendation for that summer job you wanted. How did that go?”  Johnny could not bear to look at him and while he hung his head low, he finally just came out with it. “I did it Mr. Bender.” Mr. bender decided he wasn’t done with it and added “What are you talking about Johnny.” “ I threw the bomb the other day.” “I knew you had done it Johnny.” “Why didn’t you report it?” Johnny asked.  “In a couple of months you’re going to start applying for colleges. Would you like something like that on you record?”
Johnny now realized he had given in to peer pressure and made a victim, of not only his favorite teacher, but a teacher who was merciful and considerate of his future.  He was undeserving of such kindness and even after the apology still felt there was more he should do. Fortunately, wise old Mr. Bender had an idea. “You know Johnny I was thinking my car is going to need a good cleaning this weekend.” Johnny smiled. “It’s going to be shiny as new by Sunday Morning Mr. Benson.” Mr. Benson responded “Excellent, just in time for my niece and I to go to Sunday school.” Johnny was satisfied and headed for the door when Mr. Benson stopped him “Oh Johnny you know my niece right.” Johnny answered “No sir.” Mr. Benson with a smile said “Oh you do, her name is Marie.”
Solomon said it perfectly “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.”(Proverbs 1:10) God does not want us to fold to the pressures of others or this world. We must remain strong and listen to the Holy Spirit that guides our actions. (John 16:13, Romans 8:14 ) It is God himself who speaks to our conscience so that we can do what is right. When we fail it is that same spirit that convicts us. Let us ask God to make us strong that we may resist temptation and live a life that we need not be ashamed of.  Peter wisely adds   “We must obey God rather than men.”  (Acts 5:29)
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , ,

No excuse, no retreat, no surrender

This hero will certainly battle on. He will not retire or call it quits. He has dedicated himself to the cause and regardless of the pain, discomfort or challenges he is determined to give his all. I am speaking of my eighty year old paraplegic father, the Rev. Dr. Cecilio Melendez. He is a model for all to see, an object lesson for none to forget. We live our lives with a higher calling to serve God. With each individual there is of course a variety that is expressed as God uses us all in a unique way. Whether he formed us to sing, preach, teach, play an instrument, be hands of comfort or help, pray, build or fix, and others, we have a very personal mission, a commitment between God and us. My father was formed for many reasons, but one of great importance was to preach.
It was in the fishing town of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, in a small Spanish Pentecostal church he was asked to preach to the children of his church. What was remarkable is that he was seven years old. He remembers that he preached on Matthew 24, the topic was “Signs of the End of the Age”. He never looked back. He found the courage to do what few would. He would pull up a crate on the street corner and start preaching. This started at the age of twelve. Around the same time came the many invitations from traveling evangelists for the young man to accompany them and preach before large crowds of hundreds. Before he was a teenager his ministry was in full swing.
By the time my father was twenty years old he was a fully ordained minister. All was brilliant in the life of this young man; now married and the father of a beautiful little girl, my older sister Lisa. Then he was diagnosed with cancer. Treatments began earnestly in order to save this young life. The Doctors never gave my father much of a chance. They thought he would perhaps live a couple of years. But my father a man of great faith, put his life in God’s hands and fifty eight years later he still standing. However this is not the whole story.
The effects of radiation therapy would not become evident for many years later. In his late fifties he would begin to lose the use of his hands. One complication would lead to another. To summarize, both of my father’s arms and hands are paralyzed, he has lost complete vision in his left eye, sees with great difficulty in his right eye, occasionally loses his sight completely, loses his balance, may also at times feel faint, is on a strict diet, suffers from different aches and pains, has paralysis of the right vocal cord, and gets up every morning thankful that God has given him another day, when he was supposed to have been dead over fifty years ago. Doctors have chastised him for preaching and counseling, ordering him to rest his vocal cords, which is exactly what he did for almost a year. It was yet another source of pain and frustration for a man that has been preaching since he was seven. For him preaching was as natural as walking and breathing.
Every last minister and preacher in the church had taken several turns throughout the year and then the merry go round stopped. The Pastor was going to preach. Everyone waited in anticipation. Many I am sure were just waiting for him to retire. Others had been praying for healing. Neither would occur. The brave old man with little vision would locate an old outline from his memory of thousands and the sermon began. More than an hour later, he concluded after having inspired, motivated, excited and spiritually lifting the entire congregation. The time had just flown by. The church had witnessed a man wholly and completed dedicated to God. It did not matter, what physical ailments he would have to overcome, nor would it matter the weariness he had been suffering. Not even the warnings of doctors would stop him. He knew he had to preach. It was probably the best sermon I had heard in over a year. Later in private I would ask my father “Are you going to preach next Sunday?” His response was perfect, “Of course this has to continue!” No excuse, no retreat, no surrender for this hero. He will battle with his sickness and continue with this mission, until God says “no more”.
God is not looking for excuses. He did not accept any from Moses (Exodus 3:11, Exodus 4:1, 10), Gideon (Judges 6:15) or Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:6). He does not want us to come with excuses either. He is looking for men and women who are willing to sacrifice and overcome obstacles to complete with the mission God has placed in each of their hands. It will not be easy, nothing worthwhile is. But I know as I watched My father preach, I learned that to be responsible to your calling will most likely include great sacrifices and great battles, but “…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
Related articles
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , ,

Esau’s bad trade

Esau was sweaty and out of breath, totally exhausted after a hard day’s work of hunting. He wanted two things, to eat and to rest. It is pretty much how most of us feel after a long hard day. We get home and want to just collapse on the living room sofa and perhaps if someone could just bring us our favorite meal, everything would be perfect. Jacob was more than ready to please. The wise younger brother had prepared a splendid meal that Esau could not resist and I am sure many of us would not resist either. However Jacob was not as nice as we would hope, nor was he so generous. Jacob was a man with a plan. (Genesis 25:29-34)
Jacob understood that blessings were worth more than rest or food. He understood how to make a good trade. Jesus also talked about trades. He said “what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36) Much of what we can obtain in this world comes with a price. It will cost us money, or our time. Jesus made it clear that as we embark on our adventures of conquest, whether they are to obtain wealth, success, recognition, a higher position, or even someone’s favor, we must be sure of what the price is, because we don’t want to lose our souls. We never want to do anything that compromises our principals, our morality and most importantly our relationship with God!
Certainly this means saying no when asked to do something that we know is immoral, but it also means saying no when our time and energy is consumed, leaving little time for God. Our salvation is a great treasure that cannot so easily be surrendered. Our walk with God must be cultivated and developed to its fullest maturity and this takes time.
Esau ignored his great treasure and surrendered it easily. Jacob held that delicious plate of food, whose aroma must have truly been overwhelming, and simply asked for Esau’s birthright. Surely this meant great blessings, an inheritance and rights that should rightly belong to the eldest Esau. Esau agreed and filled his stomach and rested. Jacob would become the father of all Israelites, the chosen people, and from his lineage would descend the Messiah.
Let us not sell our great blessing for so little, all that this world has to offer pales in comparison to all eternity. Let us guard our salvation as it is our greatest treasure.
Related articles
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , ,

We are all sinners

“Oooo! You’re in trouble Betsy, when dad and mom find out what you’ve done.” Michael was scaring his younger sister who had broken his mother’s vase. “They’re here Betsy. Daddy is carrying a Duncan Donuts bag. Aren’t Duncan donuts your favorite? I don’t think you’re getting any today. Besides you’re so fat.” Betsy started crying. Michael started laughing. Michael could hear the door opening. “Oh I can’t wait to see this,” Michael said with a huge grin on his face. Then he took off running towards the door.
“Mom, Dad you’re not going to believe this but Betsy broke your vase.” Mrs. Deed’s eyes looked like they were going to pop out of her face. Mrs. Deeds ran into the living and gasped for air. Then she dropped to her knees and carefully began to pick up each piece one by one. Mr. Deeds came in with his hands on his hips and asked, “Bets you did this?” Betsy still crying shook her head yes and before her father could say another word dropped to her knees besides her mother and said “Mom I’m sorry I know how important this vase was. It was great grandma’s and she gave it to you. I can’t believe I did this. I can’t make up for this. I don’t know what to do mom.” Betsy was crying with her head bowed low. Mrs. Deeds looked up and it was as if she was seeing her daughter for the first time. She freed one of her hands and reached out and wrapped her arm around her daughter. She leaned her head towards her daughter’s and whispered “you’re forgiven.”
When Michael realized what was happening he erupted “What is going on here! What, no yelling, no punishment; she should get what she deserves!” Then Dad spoke, “Michael did you see Betsy break the vase?” Michael amazed at the question, “Dad I didn’t, but she admitted to it.” Calmly dad asked “Where were you when your little sister broke the vase?” There was dead silence. Dad did not have to say another word. Michael realized he had disobeyed. He was not supposed to leave his little sister alone. Now he was wondering, “What do I deserve?”
Paul explained in his letter to the Romans, “For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:22-23). It is easy to be tempted and at times looked down on the faults and failures of others. But we must all remember that we all have sinned and it is actually a good thing that most of us will probably never get what we truly deserve. God in His mercy has forgiven all those who have sincerely repented and accepted Jesus as their Lord and savior. We are forgiven and will not suffer the condemnation we deserve. Instead we have received a priceless treasure, eternal life with God.
Bibleaid articles on forgiveness
Related articles
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , ,

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Praise Him!


Yearning for the morning light
Thought alone was the night
But He was there by my side
My heart and mind did guide
Though thoughts did fight gloom
My dreams, but thoughts of doom
Toss and turn
My heat did burn
But now the morning light
Now I see with new sight
God was with me through the night
He joined me in the fight
My mind almost did break
Tears until I did wake
But hope still reins
Knowing God Sustains
Covers me through the rain
Of doubt fear and Pain
Raises me so that I might shine
Before His presence divine
Fills me with joy and Peace
His work a masterpiece
Loves me with no end
More than the closest friend
With Him I shall not fall
With Him I have all
Praise Him day and night
Praise Him with all my might!

© Samuel Melendez. All rights reserved

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,

The name of Jesus

“Well it seems like a great idea. So many seem to be using the name of Christ to get what they want. There must be some kind of power in that name, whoever he was.” This must have been the thoughts of the seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva. (Acts 19:15-16) Interesting how some who do not even know Christ, think “why not use His name”.
There is no doubt there is power in the name of Christ. Christ instructed us to use his name. “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13) He said it again in John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” But in both occasions Jesus was speaking to believers, His followers.
Jesus knew that His followers believed in Him and had some faith. On one occasion two blind men came to Jesus wanting to be healed and what did Jesus ask? He asked “Do you believe…?” When they answered in the affirmative, Jesus healed them. (Matthew 9:27-31) There is also the wonderful case of the woman who had a blood sickness and had seen many doctors without any success. She believed that if she could just touch Jesus’ garment she could be healed. In her weakened state, fighting through a crowd she did exactly that and was healed instantly. Jesus demanded that the woman come forth. She was terrified. Let’s consider why she would be terrified? She knew this Jesus was no ordinary man and feared the power of God, further proof of her faith. Jesus would say of her “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” (Mark 5:34)
Faith in God is an important ingredient when expecting a miracle. There are other ingredients no doubt. Another ingredient is, knowing that God has to be willing. Now the Sons of Sceva had erred greatly in not considering at least these two ingredients. They did not have true faith in Christ. They had faith in the name of a person they did not know. They thought the name of Jesus was some kind of mystic power they could use for whatever they wanted and to benefit themselves. They were not believers in Jesus Christ, as lord and messiah.
The result was not pretty. The evil spirit after being told to leave in the name of Christ Said “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” then the demon possessed man attacked the sons of Sceva, tearing their clothes off and wounding them. (Acts 19:15-16)
Until this day there are many who would like to benefit from Christ without ever having truly known Him. For them Christianity is a business or a way of manipulating the masses, politicians who never attend church except when election time is near and then say all the right words. Throughout history men have used Jesus to get what they want, manipulate the masses, get away with horrific actions and seize power. However far from being believers, they are actually enemies of the cross. Until this day their horrific actions make it difficult for many to put their trust in Christ. I am sure they will have their reward in the next life.
As believers God has blessed us with a powerful weapon, the name of Christ. However, we cannot simply say in the name of Christ and it will be done. Jesus must be our Lord and we must understand that the power comes from God and He must be willing. We do not proudly demand what we do not understand, we humbly ask in awe of what we know to be real.

Related articles
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)