Discern the spirits

Matthew 9 : 32 - 38

...the crowds marveled...

It is not easy to discern signs and wonders. In this episode, Jesus healed and made well a man who was physically and spiritually in bondage to demons. The common folk were amazed, marveled and we can assume most grateful to him for healing their kinsman. They came to Jesus, in their need, with open heart and mind and received from him. The Pharisees, or religious professionals, however refused to admit that Jesus had indeed healed in the name of God. Perhaps, as many 'religious folk' do, they had to put Jesus through their 'test' of authenticity first. And they concluded that he healed in the name of demons!!

We are always reminded not to be gullible, spiritually or otherwise. But we are not as aware how, indeed, to test the spirits......In order to do so, we first of all need to ask for open hearts and minds ourselves. It is all too easy to put God in a box, to define what he can and can't do, or will and won't do........First of all is the process of allowing God to be God, rather than taking control of everything by claiming to be 'biblical'.

The works and wonders of God, whether directly or through human agents, would usually be accompanied by a spirit of compassion, rather than mere show-manship. There would be the Christ - like concern and compassion for lost and suffering persons.....just as Jesus in his time on earth, saw the crowds before him - harrassed and lost, like sheep without a shepherd. May we be co laborers who act in the spirit of our Lord of love and compassion.