Watching the Learning Channel’s David Blaine street magic special earlier today helped me realize how easily we humans can be fooled to believe almost anything we witness.
Simple illusions or magic tricks become unexplainable mysteries. More than simple card tricks, experienced magicians will have anyone believe they are performing miracles.
But to the trained eye, magic tricks are mere result of manipulation or illusion. I believe Faith is what differentiates the tricks of magicians from the miracles Jesus performed.
Today’s illusionists are satisfied with dazzling their audiences while Christ was specific as to the source of His power: God almighty! Jesus went about from town to town and performed healings and miracles in the name of the Lord however, the bible says He found great difficulty touching those closest to Him:
“And Jesus said to them, a prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands upon a few sick people and healed them.” (Mark 6:4-6)
Much like magicians, Christ required His audience to believe in Him or the Lord or the Holy Spirit. After all, what good is it to try dazzling someone who won’t give credit for a magic trick? What good is it to heal a nonbeliever unless of course, the miracle is targeted at inspiring those witnessing?
Examples of miracles for the benefit of believers include healing the sick, bringing sight to the blind, making the cripple stand and walk and feeding a multitude of thousands of people with only a handful of bread and fish.
Jesus also healed non believers, one example involves healing one of the soldier who came to arrest Him on the Mount of Olives. “And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.” (Luke 22:50-51).
It is unknown if the soldier was a believer or not, what is clear is how Jesus chose to heal this man in spite of his beliefs. Jesus’ goal was to touch all those present, not only the soldier.
As followers of Christ, we are called to do the same. We are required to witness not only to believers but also on skeptics remembering that we are all seed planters and tenders. The harvesting of course is up to the Lord!
Sharing God’s good news to all those who surround us is part of our own evangelism and not an easy task. The Word clearly tells us we are to expect controversy along our walk with God. Jesus’ disciples were told about this as Christ sent them out to plant seeds among the Jews:
“And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. And he said to them, where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them.” (Mark 6:7-11)
With this in mind, let’s fulfill our mission by sharing the Gospel with every single person we encounter this and every week. Let’s embrace those who believe through Godly fellowship and more importantly, let each one of us continue to plant seeds in those who struggle with their Faith.
Surely, much like Christ’s disciples we will end up shaking off dust off our feet but our witnessing is never in vain as each rebuking of the Lord will make us stronger, wiser. Always remember to pray for those who choose to not “receive the Lord” giving the seed of God a chance to grow through prayer.
Whatever you do, never underestimate the power of prayer. And as a minister of God, be wise each time you are turned away remembering we are not the harvesters but merely God’s aides in planting and nurturing seeds.
Let’s pray.
Father God;
We thank you for this day
For looking after us, our families and friends,
We thank you for providing for us
Like only you can.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each week
And to put us to work for you
Allowing us to spread your light
To those who live a clouded life.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us
And answer our prayers
Giving us all that we need
Rather than what we want.
May your will be done
In my life, for my life.
We thank you for your love and all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
