A wicked and perverse generation seeks after a sign

WITH regards to raising the dead (Ominously a fundamentalist trend is growing in Guyana: Lutchman Gossai, GC June 22nd), Matthew 10 is a record of the commission to the 12 disciples. Jesus instructed them at the time not to visit anyone else but the “[Priesthood-neglected Jews].” They were to preach that the “[the Christian church was about start]” and whosoever wishes may enter, in accordance with its creed. All which the disciples had received from him, they were to freely give. Their sympathy for the demoralised plight of the people was to be reflected in their actions: healing of the sick, cleansing of the lepers, raising of the dead, and casting out of demons.

Because “salvation was of the Jews,” the gospel was given first to them that they should take it to the world, but they refused and thus the prophecies of Revelation begin with letters to “the seven churches of Asia.” These are indeed the times of the Gentiles. Disciples everywhere are to preach that the “[the Christian church has been established]” and whosoever wishes may enter, in accordance with its creed. All which they receive from Jesus, they are to freely give. Their sympathy for the demoralized plight of the people everywhere should be reflected in their actions: healing of the sick, cleansing of the lepers, raising of the dead, and casting out of demons.

What then has happened, and why aren’t the dead raised in huge numbers if the power is there for it?

When Jesus was transfigured, three disciples were on the mountain with him (Matthew 17). At the very same time, the other nine were unsuccessfully trying to cast out a demon. Sounds familiar? Read Exodus 24 and 32. Note the striking parallels, especially the tumultuous noise that accompanies the rite.

Responding to them privately afterwards about their humiliating attempt, Jesus said, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” By this we know then, that it is possible to raise the dead as well in a very literal sense! It does not happen, however, because of a lack of faith.

But when the disciples came to him saying, “increase our faith” (Luke 17), Jesus illustrated instead the difference in attitude between a master and a servant, pointing out to them that first they needed to be faithful to their belief, humbly go about their daily chores, earnestly desiring to do the will of the master, happy in his provision and providence. It is the master who commands, thereafter, and it is done! It is the master who decides who would be raised and who would remain, who would be taken and who would be left; and for the servant to know his master’s will.

There is a way to perform miracles, therefore, but it does not come by believing that God will obey YOUR commands. For there are many who go about the place, commanding such and such and when not successful, blaming the subjects for THEIR lack of faith; or else they invent fanciful tales of healings, planting frauds in the midst to encourage faith amongst the gullible shouting at them to walk and not wobble, run and not fall, see and not wander, and hear — as though God himself were hard of hearing (1 Kings 18). Again, note especially the tumultuous noise that accompanies the rite.

For this reason, power has left them and they do not know it, nor do they take it to heart. Like Harry Potter, they seek to wave a magic wand, craving the praise and awe of men: “Who is like this man? Who can withstand him? Come see, out of the USA, one who has done mighty wonders in Iceland, Botswana, Japan and Hawaii!” Nevertheless their day will come and indeed such fantastic wonders as you think impossible will be on display in overwhelming delusionary power (Mat 7:21-23; Mat 24:23-25; Rev 13:11-18; Rev 16:12-16).

A wicked and perverse generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given it but the prophecies already spoken.
MARK A.C. BLAIR

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