Letter against Spirit
Mat 12:1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
The corn that they ate was probably barley corn, a grain. They were not breaking the law to eat from anothers field of corn, when travelling.
Deu 23:24 When thou comest into thy neighbour's vineyard, then thou mayest eat grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure; but thou shalt not put any in thy vessel.
Deu 23:25 When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thine hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbour's standing corn.
Mat 12:2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.
The pharisees were envious of the Spirit within Jesus. They had seen his wonderful works and saw the crowds gather as he spoke God's word to them. They had interpreted God's laws making many more to go with them. They would seek to destroy Jesus with the letter of the law. Paul spoke of the law and grace, the letter of the law that can only punish, leading to death. And, the Spirit that brings life. Jesus came to bring life and not to destroy. We have the ministry of Jesus.
2 Cor 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Mat 12:3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;
Mat 12:4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the showbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?
David needed food, the ceremony of keeping 12 loaves by the altar, was to represent the 12 tribes of Israel being close to God. The priest's were allowed to eat this, David being hungry partook of it.
Mat 12:5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?
Mat 12:6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
The priests worked in the temple on the sabbath and were blameless. Jesus is greater then the temple. He is God's son, the temple is a place of worship to God.
Mat 12:7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
Jesus points out what God requires: mercy and not sacrifice. The Jews had many man made laws and ordinances around God's commandments. Jesus doesn't want them to forget God's real commandments.
Hosea 12:6 Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.
Mat 12:8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.
He is Lord of the temple, the head of the church. He is also the Lord of the sabbath; Jesus is our rest. Everyday we rest in our Lord. We are not as the Pharisees, accusing Jesus and his disciples. Who can judge God? Yet many choose to judge other believers over some form of church tradition or custom. Where is mercy and judgment? Touch not God's anointed ones.
Do good Everyday
Mat 12:9 And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:
Mat 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
The leaders in the synagogue had a religious spirit, trying to destroy Jesus while justifying themselves as knowing the law. The natural man opposes the Spirit of God. These were proud, knowing the teachings of men regarding the law. Jesus was with God, when the law was sent to man through Moses and the prophets. Jesus knew the true intent of God's law and commandments. He is the Living Word of God.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Mat 12:11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?
Mat 12:12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
There is the true law of God; do good, whether on the sabbath, or any day of the week, we are to do good, because God is good and holy.
Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
So many with a religious spirit are proud and arrogant of their knowledge. They use their voice to destroy and divide, even in a fellowship of Christ's disciples. Then and now, this religious spirit, the pride of life, seeks to destroy others they disagree with, by belittling them with angry words. Where is mercy and goodness?
Mat 12:13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.
The humble Jesus, gentle but so mighty in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He was the son of the God who heals you.
Psa 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Psa 103:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Psa 103:4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Psa 103:5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Psa 103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
This miracle was the power of God come to this synagoge, it should have been a place to receive God's presence, his miracles. Instead, the bad spirits made it a synagogue of satan.
Rev 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Mat 12:14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.
Let us be careful that we not be like these religious ones. They knew their truths, their interpretations, they had education, but they missed God in their midst. They were too busy trying to prove their point. They only showed their true hearts. To prove their wickedness, they counseled together to destroy our Lord Jesus. We must be careful that we do not destroy the name of Jesus or his people by arrogant self righteous behavior.
Mat 12:15 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;
If opposed by accusers, ignore them and withdraw yourself. Continue to do God's work as did our Lord Jesus, he healed all who came to him. Do you need healing? Do not let religious pride or unbelief keep you from coming to Jesus. He is our merciful and good shepherd, who heals his flock.
A Bruised Reed
Mat 12:16 And charged them that they should not make him known:
So many miracles and Jesus asks that he should not be known. Unlike the advertising we sometimes see, with a persons name advertising a miracle service. Jesus didn't want people at this time to proclaim his glory, it was not yet time. One reason was that the Jewish leaders were plotting to kill him and his popularity made it difficult to walk with so many people around him. But we also see here a fulfillment of prophecy.
Mat 12:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
Mat 12:18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles.
Mat 12:19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.
The Holy Spirit in Jesus is a gentle Spirit, no strife is in him, only love and peace, joy, goodness, faith, long suffering, meekness and temperance, he was the model gentleman. All the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.
He will show judgment to the Gentiles. He will show them right from wrong. The law and the prophets had brought judgment to Israel and the law. But they passed it up, replacing man's ideas, they became fools.
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Eph 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
Eph 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Eph 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Mat 12:20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
Jesus is caring; not destructive, careful; not hasty. He cares about your hurts, in your body and in your mind, he is gentle and loving towards you. A smoking flax, perhaps referring to a lamp wick, he will not quench. He doesn't want the light to go out in a life. Don't loose hope because of life's hardships. Jesus is fanning your light, blowing the breath of life upon you to bring your light back to be his good light to others. Who better to help others who were battered and without hope, then one who has been given new life in Jesus?
Mat 12:21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.
John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Gentle savior, loving and mericiful servant, come to him and receive God's gentle spirit, receive your peace. Now is the time to proclaim his name, now is the time for salvation, and eternal life.
Son Of David
Mat 12:22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.
This is evidence that many of our afflictions are caused by demonic spirits. The devil spirit, had caused the person to be blind and dumb in the body. The same thing can happen in the heart and in the mind. A spirit of evil can make us blind and dumb about God and our need for Jesus. Possibly other afflictions may be caused by bad spirits; depression, severe headaches, cutting of the body, anxiety attacks. Trust in Jesus and see what happens when God's Spirit takes control. Seek his will in prayer and fasting.
Isa 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Jesus breaks every yoke. We are his disciples, his Spirit lives within us to minister and to deliver people from devils or demonic spirits.
Mat 12:23 And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?
Is this not the son of David? Is this not the Prince, the deliverer that we were expecting to come? Matthew began his gospel with these words:
Mat 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Micah, the prophet, foretold the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, from a virgin, yet being the eternal Son of God.
Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
The prophet Isaiah, spoke of the many names and titles of the coming King from David.
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
This is the Lord Jesus Christ, the hope of the Gentiles and the Lion of Judah. Glory to the prince of peace, son of David, hail King Jesus.
Accusers
Mat 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
They heard the people recognizing Jesus as the son of David, the coming King. The Pharisees would not give God glory for the works of Jesus. They refused to receive him as he was, the Messiah. Instead, they accused him of serving Beelzebub, who was the lord of the flies. Be careful, do not accuse another whose ministry includes miracles. You may well be opposing God's special servant. The world's people enjoy putting others down. You are not to be as the world.
Mat 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
Mat 12:26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?
Jesus knew their thoughts, having the spiritual gifts of knowledge and wisdom. He had all wisdom, as God the Son.
1 Cor 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
1 Cor 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
He explained to them, that satan does not oppose himself. If this were so, then the powers of satan would be divided and destroyed. Let's apply this to the church. How many churches are there? One church, the Church are the believers in Christ. Why do some seek to divide what belongs to Jesus? The Church is one in Christ, unity is our strength. Be very careful coming against another ministry, or fellowship. Avoid false teachers and false doctrines, yet preach Christ crucified and risen, do not make a ministry out of attacking others. You may be serving satan more then God. Accusing is the devils work. We are ministers of the gospel. Our spirit should seek unity and peace.
Mat 12:27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.
The Jews had ministries that cast out devils, by whose power were these? When we judge, we are judged. Do not oppose the work of God. If you do, you are serving satan. Glorify God in believing His word and works. We glorify him by our good works. We are to continue in his love, loving others and bringing them to Jesus for a new life.
John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
John 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
Kingdom Power
Mat 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
What is the evidence of the kingdom of God? Is it not the presence of his Spirit? If we leave our country to another country and arrive at the Kingdom of England, do we not see English people? In Spain, do we not see Spanish people? The kingdom of God is a kingdom with a holy and Spiritual King; God the father and his son who rules by his side, the prince of peace. The very presence of the Son, was evidence of the Kingdom. Further evidence is the Holy Spirit of God. The Christian believers are of God's kingdom because they have the presence of the Holy Spirit with them. A Spiritual kingdom of God, has spiritual people who are children of the King. We are son's of the Father above and we do his works. We are known by our fruit.
Mat 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
The Holy Spirit is greater then the spirits of the devil.
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Jesus gave his disciples power to bind and to loose. To overcome the devil's army, we must first bind them. A possessed person may be delivered by God's spirit This happens when the spirit of truth comes and is believed.
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Faith in the word of God will free someone bound by satan's lies. If you believe in Jesus as your Lord and savior, you have his victory. He has defeated the devil on the cross. The work of redemption was done when he cried, It is finished. The only thing remaining was the proof that he had power over death. This he proved on the third day as he arose from he grave. Satan has no more power over a believer. He can only gain power by lies or by their permission.
1 Pet 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 Pet 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Satan is bound by the work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in your life. Someone described satan as a bee without a stinger. A growling dog with no teeth. Resist him and he will flee. This is for those who have received Jesus. If you have not accepted him, then satan indeed has power over your life. Run to Jesus, he is waiting with open arms to receive you. Receive new everlasting life in the kingdom of God.
The Sin that separates forever
Mat 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
Jesus did not say this to shame you, he was speaking the truth in love.
I remember a dad, who after attending church, dressed in his finest Sunday suit, would go to the bar where his son was sitting, drinking beer. He would say to him, "you are either for God or you're against him." These are the words the Lord spoke. I always cringed when I heard of the dad doing this and to this day, the son is too full of shame to come to the Lord. I am not sure how much this son was loved by the dad, I am not the judge. Another daughter left the church world, having fallen in love with someone who was not good for her. The dad, himself a pastor, basically disowned her. No, this is not the meaning behind Jesus' warning to those who heard this message. Jesus came to die for all people, from a heart of love. He was willing to pay the price so that you and I may be forgiven, no matter how great the sin, his forgiveness is there for you.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
So what's the problem? The problem is that you must receive the free gift of everlasting life given to you by Jesus and the love of God. If you refuse to be with those who believe in Jesus, you will be scattered, the targets and victims of satan, away from the covering of God.
Mat 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
Mat 12:32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
I have met many who were so worried that they had committed the unpardonable sin, "the blaspheme of the Holy Spirit." If you are concerned, you have not gone too far. Others have believed satan's lie, that they cannot be forgiven, they have gone too far. No, this is satan's lie. They are like the son in the bar, they just need truth and love. These things are freely given.
Who are those who cannot be saved? Sometimes they blaspheme the name of Jesus. This will be forgiven. In the verse, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees who claimed that the mighty works of Jesus were the works of a devil. They refused the evidence and became accusers. No man can come to Jesus unless the Holy Spirit brings them to him. If we say the Holy Spirit is of satan, we are destroying the way we are to be forgiven. If we refuse God's way, there is no other way. If you die unforgiven, you have committed the unpardonable sin. There is no second chance. No purgatory, that is a tradition of man. No reincarnation, that is a deceiving spirit's lie. Jesus said:
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
God is righteous and just, he must separate you from himself if you have refused God's way to be forgiven. Eternal damnation or Eternal life with God's people, it is your choice. The Holy Spirit is speaking to you now, come to Jesus, it is not too late.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Fruit
Mat 12:33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
Luke 6:44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
Our apple tree died several years ago. From it's roots a new tree grew. What fruit did it produce? wild yellow plums. It was an apple tree grafted onto a plum tree. Our new life is as the apple tree producing good fruit. Our old life was wild and common, we do not allow the old ways to take over the new creation. In Christ Jesus we are new creations, with new good fruit in our lives.
If we pretend to be what we are not, we produce no fruit. What we do and say is the fruit of our lives. If we live as liars, we are only confusion, who can know what we are? If we seek and live in truth, then others will know we are of God, by our fruit and will benefit by our lives. A good fruit tree blesses many. If we do only evil, our fruit is the fruit of the devil.
Mat 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Mat 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
I have heard people say that satan is good, he loves me. No, this would be contrary to the nature and fruit of evil. Some have turned from God to satan because of something that happened to them. They ask, "why didn't God help me? If he is a loving God, why did he let me suffer so. I hate God," they then turn to satan. Oh foolish heart, do you not know that it was the fruit of satan that hurt you? Do we run to the source of evil? God is the source of all good. Perhaps he was not visible to you, but he kept you alive until this time of freedom. Thank God for life, He is the only true God, who loves you. Receive Jesus and be under his protection. Those who are not under his protection, satan may come against.
Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
It is so hard to control the tongue. James said:
James 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
Hold your tongue, do not allow satan to use you to produce his fruit. You either speak for God, the word of truth or you speak lies from satan. He came to steal, kill and destroy, often by using someone's unguarded words. Put a shield on your tongue, the shield of faith. Let your words be as Jesus, full of grace and truth, then your life and fruit will be a blessing to others.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
How is your crop doing? We will be held accountable for every idle word spoken. No wrath for those in Christ, but we will receive rewards, crowns, if we produce good fruit as we live connected to Jesus.
Sign of Jonas
Mat 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
The apostle Paul spoke of the Jews and the Greeks and how they differ.
1 Cor 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
1 Cor 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
The point being, we do not limit God to our expectations. The Jews required a sign, one that they would approve of and know. But really they were looking for something that had already occurred in abundance. The very life and ministry of Jesus was full of wisdom and grace. He amazed people with his authority, he healed all who came to him. They required a sign? No, they wanted him to perform only in their way. God will not do tricks for us, he will do what he chooses to do. Open the eyes of your soul. The evidence is overwhelming.
Mat 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
Mat 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
The sign of the gospel; Jesus was crucified and placed in the tomb, and on the third day he arose back to life. This is also a proof that the story of Jonah was indeed a true story. Jesus acknowledged it.
1 Cor 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
This is the message Paul brought to each new city, the gospel message.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Jesus called the sign seekers, an evil and adulterous generation. They were committing spiritual adultery. Saying that God's son was doing the works of Beelzebub. Closing their hearts to the truth. The Pharisee spirit is common in the chat rooms. People have figured out what a "true" believer must think and do. If they are Spirit led, they often are accused of not following the pattern of the truth of some denomination. Do not limit God to your area of belief, He is always going to find a new way to accomplish his purposes. Open your eyes to what he has done and is doing. If a new thing happens? Do not rush out in criticism. How many different ways did Jesus heal?
If you think God must have your help, think again. We do not rule, he rules. He will pick someone who the world would never pick to fulfill his purpose.
1 Cor 1:27 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;
1 Cor 1:28 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:
1 Cor 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
Do we glory in our logic? In our intellect? In our ability to speak? If so, be sure God is in control of these, not your fleshly pride. All good things come from God, he gets the glory. Does this mean we are not to look for signs? No, the believers are to understand through God's Spirit the things that are happening. Jesus was upset with unbelief. He could have buried them in signs and they still would not believe. He explained this in the story of the rich man and Lazareth.
Luke 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
Luke 16:27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
Luke 16:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
Luke 16:29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
Luke 16:30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Jesus did the greatest of all signs, he arose from the grave. Still most Jews do not believe. Beware of stubborn hearts of unbelief, the signs have already come, You must believe Jesus and be saved.
Greater Lord Jesus
Mat 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
Jonas or Jonah, was a reluctant prophet running from God's will. When tossed overboard, God sent a great fish to swallow him. In the living grave, alive, he repented calling out to God.
Jonah 2:4 Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.
Jonah 2:5 The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.
Jonah 2:6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God.
Jonah 2:7 When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.
Jonah 2:8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
Jonah 2:9 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.
Jonah witnessed to the people of Ninevah and they repented. Jesus, without sin in obedience, went to the grave. Jesus arose from the grave and the Jews continued in unbelief.
Mat 12:42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
1 Ki 4:30 And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.
1 Ki 4:31 For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.
1 Ki 4:32 And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.
1 Ki 4:33 And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes.
1 Ki 4:34 And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.
Jesus, the Son of God is greater than Solomon, he created the heavens and the earth with his father. He is wiser than Solomon and yet the Jewish leaders thought themselves wiser.
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Are you wiser than Jesus? Are you wiser than God?
Put light in your house
Mat 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
I never considered this verse in it's context. It seems to stand alone in it's content. Yet, it is a warning to those who have had devils cast out, perhaps referring to the son's of the Jews, who had no belief in Jesus, yet were casting out devil's. This could be dangerous to the one that has been freed of bad spirits. We will see why.
Mat 12:44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
The house, the person in which he dwelled, seemed empty. This is the problem. It is good to cast out demons, but NOT if there is no Jesus to fill the person's heart. The presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in a person prevents the reentry of bad spirits. They may trouble you from the outside, but the Holy Ghost inside keeps them out. How so?
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
The devil only has access to areas of our house that have sin. That is why we personally must keep our house clean. A one time casting out is not enough. We must keep our house clean and full of light, because the devil dwells in darkness.
Eph 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Eph 5:12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
Eph 5:13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Mat 12:45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
The unbelieving generation, though they heard the message of John the Baptist and Jesus, to repent and turn from sins, did not receive a complete cleansing and forgiveness of sins through belief in Jesus and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. They would remain a wicked people. So it is with any nation at any time, that turns from the living God. One by one we come to Jesus. His light within our house keeps away the darkness. We are each given the responsibility to keep our house clean.
Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
Rom 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
Rom 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Search your heart and remove areas of sin so that a devil may not have a hiding place in your home.
Mother of Christ
Mat 12:46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.
Mat 12:47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
Mat 12:48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
Mat 12:49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
Mat 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
The family of God is often closer than our earthly family. The surprising thing here, is that Jesus himself, did not elevate his earthy family above the family of the kingdom of God. What about Mary? The implication here is that all godly mothers have at least equal value as did Mary. Mary has no special power or access to Jesus. No more than any other child of God's family. We do not appeal through Mary in prayer. We are to pray directly to God the Father or to the Son, Jesus.
Mary was blessed to be chosen as the birth mother to Jesus.
Luke 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
Luke 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Mary was chosen, as you are chosen for some particular work or works of God. We are vessels for the masters use. Are you a vessel that God can use? Much of this depends on you.
2 Tim 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
2 Tim 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
2 Tim 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
It is believed that the earthly father of Jesus, Joseph had passed on. His brothers did not believe that he was the Christ, until after his resurrection from the grave. His brother James, wrote the book of James. Jesus did love his mother and wanted her to be cared for after his departure. From the cross, he entrusted her to the disciple that he loved, the apostle John. John was more a trusted brother than his natural half brothers.
John 19:26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
John 19:27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
John 19:28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.
John 19:29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.
John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
His last act on the cross, was to provide for the care of his aging mother. He showed honor to his natural mother, the mother who loved him and gave him shelter was cared for through his true brother, a brother in Christ, the disciple that Jesus loved. As we are disciples loved by Jesus, we too fulfill our callings as our Lord and brother has shown us the way.
Mat 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
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