Do It Again!

“And behold, they were bringing to Him a paralytic, lying on a bed; and Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, ‘Take courage, My son, your sins are forgiven.’ And behold some of the scribes said to themselves, ‘This fellow blasphemes.’ And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, ‘Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? For which is easier to say, ‘Your sins re forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, and walk?’ But in order that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’ – then He said to the paralytic – ‘Rise, take up your bed, and go home.’ And he rose and went home. But when the multitudes saw this, they were filled with awe, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.” Matthew 9:2-8

“And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads, and saying, ‘You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.’ In the same way the scribes and elders, were mocking Him, and saying, ‘He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel’; let Him now come down from the cross, and we shall believe in Him. He trusts in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He takes pleasure in Him, for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’’” Matthew 27:39-43

A book purporting to show Jesus as a person might want Him to be showed Him performing ‘tricks’ to impress His friends. -- Whenever His father Joseph messed up an important carpentry assignment, Jesus would step in and magically repair the flaw. He was not afraid to use His power for revenge, either. When a neighbour woman hurt one of Jesus’ playmates, she mysteriously fell into a well and died of a crushed skull.

These actions are uncharacteristic of the Jesus we know about from the Gospels, who healed every time someone asked Him to. He fed the hungry, gave wine to thirsty guests. Only once did He use His supernatural powers in a showy way: when the soldiers came to arrest Him and he restored the slashed ear of one of the arresters. In short, the miracles in the authentic Gospel are about love, not power.

“With remarkable consistency, the Bible’s accounts show that miracles – dramatic, show stopping miracles, like many of us still long for – simply do not foster deep faith.” *

Take care to understand His Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: NEED PRAYER UPDATES PLEASE:

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES RECENTLY: Jay lost his Mum. Cris loss of 3 loved ones in past 2 months (affecting her health too). Greg’s lost his father. Di her brother. Milly and David lost their Mom, she returned home to find she was made redundant and her partner left her. Linda lost her husband. Lavie lost her 28-year old brother.

JOB Related: Pray for Barb (who applied at the hospital where she recently had to be) and Tim that they find satisfying work.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. Adrian who’s found a job and home. David (great health now!). Reg for his wonderful ministry. Paul and Carla both found jobs.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Fred’s heart surgery is today (28 Sept) and Nancy, his wife, recovering from major head trauma. Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ). Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Another Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (wisdom about sending his son to an alternative school, called Eagles Ranch). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions. For strength and wisdom for a decision I need to make.


*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey