The Way, The Truth and The Life.

Posted on June 22, 2014 by davidgrose

In John Chapter 14, verse 6 Jesus says: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No-one comes to the Father except through me.” There are a lot of people out there who object to this verse. These objections come both within and without of the church. Those within the Church who object tend to be theologically liberal in their beliefs and/or nominal in their practices. They may claim that Jesus is their way, their truth and their life but are uncomfortable about the exclusivity of the second part of the verse. In part this is a reaction to the criticisms of non-Christians who want believe that their own ways, their own ‘truths’, and their own lives are just as acceptable if there is a god out there. These objections tend not to come from those who have a strong belief in another religion, as they to tend respect other people’s beliefs even if they do not agree with them. Rather the most vociferous objections come from those who want to believe what pleases them, whether they are New Age pluralists who have a ‘pick and mix’ attitude to religious ideas, through a range of positions to that of  militant atheists who hate the very idea of a god. They argue for tolerance, but they are intolerant to the claims of Christ. When they advocate a pluralistic approach to religion they are playing a game of divide and rule. Hoping that others will fail to choose any religion making them atheists by default.

To answer these objections we have to ask ourselves the question why Jesus claimed to be the only access to God the Father? To answer this let us look at the three things Jesus claimed to be:- Way;Truth and Life. The Acts of the Apostles refers to Christianity as being called ‘The Way’ in its early decades, so the early Church seem to have taken this verse to their hearts. Though most Bible scholars will tell you that John’s Gospel was not written until nearly three decades later. Clearly the early believers had no problem with the concept of Jesus being the Way and no other way was possible. But then they were Jewish, they understood how the ceremonial Law needed to be fulfilled. Certainly, at least, they knew that not just any slapdash procedure was acceptable to God. In more recent times we have forgotten all this and think of animal sacrifice as being barbaric. We do not see the need for it because we do not see sin the way God sees sin. For Him the price was so great that only God the Son could pay the price by dying on the cross.

I used to think the the primary objection to this verse  was that the claim of exclusivity of access to the Father. But increasingly I have come to notice that there is a tone of hatred creeping into Jesus’ claim to be the exclusive Truth. People assume today that is alright to believe anything one wants to believe. To contradict such a belief, no matter how outlandish, or even demonstrably untrue, it might be, is considered to be either intolerant or even a hate crime. Biblically, if Jesus (The Truth) says something and you disagree with it, then guess who is in the wrong? You are. As Christians we often find that we have our arguments with God. Hopefully, in time we have the sense to come round to His point of view. If Christians find it hard to accept what Jesus said as the truth then how much more non-Christians. In a world where people think they are entitled to believe anything the claim of Jesus to be The Truth is a red rag to a bull. They hate him for it.
As for the claim of Jesus to be The Life – Have you noticed that when secularists and atheists tackle major issues how often their solutions involve death? An unwanted pregnancy; abort it. If you’re seriously ill; then how about assisted suicide? They are so fearful that a Christian might pray for a sick person, and that the God they do not believe in might heal them, that they would ban praying from hospitals. Atheism is a hopeless religion. The best an atheist can hope for is nothing when they die. For that to be true there has to be no spiritual dimension to human life which survives into an afterlife. So Jesus rising from the dead is something that is anathema to these people. He is the Life because he conquered death.
Which of the three is the one that people object to the most – the Way, the Truth or the Life? The answer is that different people will find one or the other most objectionable. But there are many that find all three equally objectionable

David Rose, 2014.

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The Cuckoo.

Posted on June 10, 2014 by davidgrose

ImageA few weeks ago I was walking along the banks of the River Spey when I heard a cuckoo call. Unusually it was not in the distance but close by. I waited for it to call again. The next time I heard it the direction had changed. It appeared to be coming from the other side of the river. I noticed a bird of the right size sitting on power lines. I readied myself to take a photograph using manual focus. This was the first time I had actually seen a cuckoo in my life, having only heard one in the distance. I managed to get one picture before it flew off but it was slightly out of focus. I walked further along the river and continued to hear the cuckoo. On occasions I glimpsed a bird flying around and it made a cuckoo sound as it flew. It was too far away to photograph but I began to get my eye in and observe its behaviour. Sometimes it would sit in dead trees because it could see potential food from afar. But it rarely stayed in the same tree long enough for me to get anywhere close enough to get a decent shot. Much of the time it was in silhouette so there was little indication of its plumage. The one shot I did get that showed off its plumage to best effect was marred by the fact that it was partially obscured by foliage and the focus was slightly out. But as cuckoos are apparently becoming rarer and it was the first time I had actually seen one I was quite pleased with myself.

The next day I opened my newspaper, the [Glasgow] Herald, and there was a reader’s picture of a cuckoo which was superb that put all my efforts to shame. My reaction was mixed. I appreciated the effort and patience required to accomplish such a result. But I also thought of the ‘if only’s, the potential shots I failed to make. I have to admit that part me resented the photographer’s good fortune in taking such a good picture. I was reminded of the phrase from the Bible about our righteousness being as filthy rags. When I looked it up in a concordance I was surprised that it was from Isaiah Chapter 64 verse 6 rather than one of Paul’s letters. Though I think he was alluding to this in Ephesians Chapter 4 verses 22-4 where we are taught to put off your old self and to put on the new. We like to think that our efforts of our own flesh will be good enough. It is only when we compare that God’s perfection that we realise how far short we actually are. Unfortunately, we tend to hang on to our old familiar rags because we feel comfortable in them. Even if they are not to be used for best occasions we want to keep them for paint jobs and such like. It so happened that today (though I started this post it a couple of days ago) I received new trousers for my uniform at work. After I finished my shift I took off the old ones, complete with a large hole in one of the knees, and threw the old ones in the recycling bin. So quite literally I put off the old and put on the new.
David Rose 2014.

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Going the Extra Mile.

Posted on June 1, 2014 by davidgrose

It says in Matthew chapter 5 verse 41 “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” (NIV.) These are the words Jesus spoke during what is known as the Sermon on the Mount. In His day on earth Roman soldiers had the right to force civilians to carry their packs one mile, something most Jewish people would resent even going the first mile. He was hardly courting popularity when He said that. But the principle can be applied in other circumstances, not just those that are most onerous. I am reminded of an incident that happened back in the mid-1990s, 1995 I think, if I remember correctly.

I had been up in the woods around Loch Morlich, trying out a new camera and recording some of the remains of the logging railways left by the Canadian Forestry Corps during the First World War. I was returning from that and walking through the Car Park at Loch Morlich on my way to catch the bus back to Aviemore. When I noticed an Asian family ahead, the mother was trying to take a picture of her husband and son. They were standing near a sapling, when the mother turned to me and asked me to take a picture of the three of them. I have to admit that my initial reaction was far from enthusiastic. My own camera had been packed away by this time so they was no indication to them that I had an interest in photography. She showed me where the shutter button was and that all I had to do was point at them and click. She went over to pose beside her family. They smiled nervously back at me while readied myself to take the picture. The picture I was taking was in the landscape format. As I was taking it it became clear to me that the ideal format was the portrait one. So after taking the one they had asked to me, I offered to take another, at the same time I began to rotate the camera by 90 degrees the family’s faces broke out in beaming smiles. Clearly this was the shot they really wanted, but thought it too much to ask. It did not take a lot, just an attitude of not being content with doing the bare minimum. Now, I do not know who this family were, or what the religious beliefs were. I cannot recall what words were spoken afterwards before I went on my way to catch my bus, if any. But I suspect they still treasure that photo. It did not take a lot but it made a big impact. It is all too easy to say that when more is required “That is not my job!” Yet we also have to admit that more often than not, that is what we have done. If we are just working for some bunch of greedy fat cats then we are being reasonable but we are also working for the King of Kings as well. So, sometimes it is necessary to go the extra mile.

David Rose, 2014.

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John Chapter 21 – The Miraculous Catch of Fish.

Posted on May 25, 2014 by davidgrose

I have heard many sermons over the years based on this passage almost invariably they condemn Peter for going back to fishing as a spiritually backward step. But where in these verses does Jesus condemn Peter for fishing? Well, if you are a theologian living in an ivory tower then it might seem more spiritual to sit on one’s backside and just wait for something to happen. Peter and the other disciples had to put food on the table. True, that the Gospels mention that several women supplied Jesus’ needs, but it is likely that this had tailed off after the crucifixion and before Pentecost, If the lack of fish during the night was a sign of Jesus’ disapproval then why did He then perform a miracle? Why did he not just tell them they were disobedient and foolish for trying in the first place. Instead He rewarded them with a large catch of fish and even asked them to bring some over to the fire so that they could be cooked. There is a saying that a moving vessel is easier to steer. We can be so frightened of moving in the wrong direction that we end up going nowhere. One used to hear of the “Protestant work ethic” though these days mere mention of it might be deemed as raising Sectarian issues. But it comes as much as from Jewish traditions as the Reformation. Indolence is not something that the Jews are noted for so it might not even have been the first they had fished after the disciples had returned to the Galilee. After all, the nets which they had no use for the the previous three years or so were in sufficiently good repair to withstand the 153 large fish. Does this imply that there were also smaller fish that they did not bother to count as well? Did Jesus in all the parables and other teachings commend those who sat around doing nothing? Did he who worked as a carpenter or builder despise those did honest toil?

It could be argued that the previous day had been the Jewish Sabbath as Peter and the other disciples seemed to be doing nothing prior to Peter’s suggestion to go fishing. Paul refers to another occasion when 500 people saw Jesus after the resurrection. It would have impossible for that number to gather together on the Sabbath as that most would have to travel more than the Jewish Sabbath laws would allow. Maybe believers had detected a pattern to Jesus’ appearances to the disciples, and Peter in particular, and were determined to be in Peter’s vicinity the next time Jesus showed up on the first day of the week. 

Anyway, I digress. There has been discussion over the years over the significance of the number 153 without any definitive answer. The number 153 does not appear elsewhere in Scripture though I have heard suggestions otherwise. Maybe the real reason for the miraculous catch was that Jesus knew that the disciples would need to sell them to provide funds to stay in Jerusalem until after Pentecost. After all none of them owned property in Jerusalem and there would be relatively few friends with which they could stay. Today we hear a lot of messages to the effect that all we have to do is sit back and let God bless us. The fact the Peter wanted to go out and do some honest work goes against the grain for these people. When Paul wrote to Timothy saying all Scripture was God breathed and was useful for teaching etc., he included all the verses in Proverbs condemning sluggards for their laziness. If Peter had stayed at home and had a good night’s sleep instead could have the disciples have been sleeping on the streets of Jerusalem waiting for Pentecost rather than in the upper room? That is, of course, pure speculation.
David Rose, 2014.

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In Acts chapter 3 there is the familiar story of Peter and John going up to the temple to pray and healing a beggar who was asking for alms. Most believers are familiar with Peter addressing the beggar with the command:- “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Peter pulled him up to his feet and he could instantly walk. When we have read a story in the Bible so many times there is the danger that we overlook the details or make assumptions. On one occasion I heard a preacher on Christian television speak on this miracle noted that as the man healed was forty years old he had probably been begging at this spot for years and that Jesus must have walked passed many times on his visits to the temple and chose not to heal him. The preacher, I forget who it was, went on to say this raised theological issues as to why Jesus chose ignore him. However, the passage does not say that he had been begging there for years, so that it is a potentially dangerous assumption. The passage states that he was brought to this place by his friends. That might mean that he had not been there previously, therefore, there is no need for theological anguish. I can think of two possible reasons why Jesus would not have seen this beggar, the first is that Jesus’ visits to the Temple that are recorded in Scripture were at the Jewish Feasts when the approaches to the Temple would have been so crowded that any beggar would have risked being trodden underfoot, and the beggar would have avoided the area at that time. The second is that the steps approaching the Temple were considered part of Temple so that the beggar had the approval of the Temple authorities, which probably meant that they were getting a share in the beggar’s takings. Putting it another way would the Temple authorities want to mar the beauty of the beautiful gate with beggars unless there was something in it for them? When Jesus cleansed the Temple he stopped an important revenue flow for the Temple authorities, consequently it should have been expected that they would seek alternative sources.

Returning to the mention of the beggar’s friends who carried him to the spot, presumably in the morning. As Jewish men traditionally prayed three times a day, morning afternoon and evening, it is possible that Peter and John had seen the beggar being carried there earlier and given any alms they had then. But the healing caused such a stir that the apostles could not leave the Temple. Now one would have expected his friends to have arrived back to pick him up in the evening. What was their reaction? Luke does not say. But if they were expecting to be rewarded with a cut of his takings then they were going to be disappointed. It was around this time that the apostles were arrested. Coincidence? When the actions of our faith hurt the pockets of our enemies then that is when persecution arises. At the apostles’ trial the following morning the beggar was there with them. His presence certainly restricted what the Sanhedrin could say and do. Were they afraid that he might spill the beans? Of course, I could just be cynical here, but human nature has not changed in 2000 years. Luke gives the official reason for Peter and John’s arrest as because they were preaching about the resurrection. But Peter had preached on the resurrection at Pentecost as well without being arrested, so there were probably would have been unofficial ones as well. Luke because he was, it is believed, compiling evidence for use in Paul’s appeal to Caesar, would not have given any reason that was mere hearsay or suspicion. Only that which would be accepted in a court of law would have been included.
David Rose, 2014.

Posted on May 17, 2014 by davidgrose | Leave a comment

Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews

Posted on May 4, 2014 by davidgrose

When Pontius Pilate ordered the execution of Jesus the inscription that Pilate wrote describing the capital offence for which Jesus was being executed was “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” When the Jewish rulers saw what was written they objected to this. This inscription was written in three languages, one of those was Hebrew, and according to Hebrew scholars, the initials of the four words were YHWH, the Hebrew spelling of God’s name. This was why the Jewish leaders wanted it amended. This view has been popularised in recent years by Chuck Missler through his teachings. The question which arises in my mind is:- Did Pilate choose this wording by accident or was he deliberately trying to offend Caiphas and Co?

Both possibilities are plausible. When Pilate arrived in Judea he would have been ignorant of many aspects of the Jewish religion. It was quite common for new Roman governors to throw their weight around, and Pilate appears to have been no exception. There is even a reference to an incident in Luke chapter 13, verse 1, “Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.” Though it is not clear whether this had just recently happened or had taken place some years previously. But clearly Pilate was capable of acts of physical cruelty. But did he have the subtlety to commit an act of mental cruelty on the Sanhedrin, which is implied by deliberately choosing the actual wording used? It could just have been Roman ignorance, but this could just be grounds for plausible deniability. Pilate had been governor for several years before the crucifixion so he should have learnt an awful lot about the Jewish religion including their reluctance to state the name of God because they revered it so. I think that Pilate, to use a modern phrase, knew what “pushed the buttons” of the religious Jews. The fact that they had to seek Pilate out on the eve of the Passover and risk becoming unclean in their eyes in order to try and get the wording changed to the inscription would no doubt have humoured Pilate. No doubt they had queried it with the centurion in charge of the crucifixion first, and it might have been a factor in his statement after Jesus’ death that he was truly the Son of God. Pilate stated “I have written what I have written.” On one level he could just be saying it was too late now, what do you expect me to do climb up a stepladder and amend the placard? I doubt if there was any precedence in the history of the Roman Empire for that. More likely Pilate was getting his own back on those who had forced him into the crucifixion. Did he really believe that Jesus the promised Jewish king, the Messiah? Probably not. More likely he was just playing mind games with Caiphas and his cronies.

David Rose, 2014.

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Reflections on the Cross – Part 6 Blind Bartimaeus – A Question of Urgency.

Posted on April 27, 2014 by davidgrose

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When Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem for the final time he passed through Jericho, a blind beggar called after him:- “Son of David, have mercy on me!” The Gospel of Mark (10:40-52) names him as Bartimaeus. Many Bystanders told him to be quiet but he cried out all the more urgently. When Jesus stopped and called him he jumped to his feet and rushed towards Jesus. When he told Jesus that he wished to see, Jesus replied “Go, your faith has healed you.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. The next paragraph in the Gospel of Mark is the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Though Jesus would have passed through Jericho many times on his way to and from Jerusalem in order to attend the Jewish feasts, Bartimaeus seemed to sense an urgency that his opportunity for healing was not going to happen again. Considering that Jesus’ disciples were rather slow to see the Messiah as the suffering servant who would die for their sin (and ours as well), despite Jesus trying to teach them. Did Bartimaeus know something that the Twelve did not?

A clue might be given elsewhere in the Gospels where Jericho is mentioned, namely the parable of the Good Samaritan. The reason why the victim in the parable was passed by a priest and a Levite on that road, was because many of the priests and Levites who worked in the Temple lived in Jericho, and they did not want to risk becoming unclean and barred from Temple until they were cleansed, especially should the victim die after they had touched him. We know that discussions had taken place among the ruling elite as to what should be done about Jesus. So, Bartimaeus might have overheard something by members of the priesthood and other religious leaders threatening to kill Jesus? Because beggars are often treated as if they are invisible, even today, with all the equality legislation in place, disabled people feel frustrated when people talk to their carers rather than themselves, as if they are incapable of understanding speech. So, it is quite possible that should have been discreet whispers could have been overheard by a beggar. This could have been a factor in Bartimaeus’ urgency, because he feared he would not have another opportunity to be healed.

But it might not have been the only one. From John chapter 9 there is the account of the man who had been born blind. Now you can imagine people coming back from Jerusalem and Bartimaeus’ ears picking up on hearing the debate. That would be somebody he needed to meet. 

In Luke’s Gospel he is not named but there is an apparent discrepancy, in the he puts the incident as happening on the way into Jericho rather than on the way out as Mark does. How come? Well, we know that Luke accompanied Paul to Jerusalem, but as he was not arrested along with Paul he was free to travel throughout the Holy Land whilst Paul languished in Caesarea. He used the opportunity to research what would become his Gospel and the Book of Acts. Commentators have suggested that that these were originally compiled as evidence for Paul’s defence before Caesar. Luke was also involved in Paul’s shipwreck on Malta, which may have meant that any material damaged needed to be rewritten from memory. I believe that when Luke researched his Gospel in person, he checked out the parable of the Good Samaritan by travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho. When he arrived in Jericho he also checked out the story of Blind Bartimaeus, and he not doubt asked where it happened, and he was told that he had passed it on the way in. So that is why he later put the incident as being on the way into Jericho.

David G. Rose 2014

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Sowing a Seed – (In My Case Birdseed.)

Posted on March 23, 2014 by davidgrose

The concept of sowing a seed is a long-term one and since first posting this post, thoughts have developed and I expect to add further thoughts in future, combined with ornithological observations.

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ImageToday when viewing or listening to the Christian media one often finds references to “Sowing a seed,”  in connection with funding of Christian ministries. Sometimes these appeals are accompanied by direct promises that any gift to their ministry will result in a guaranteed return of many times the original gift. This return comes from “God” and never from the ministry that is doing the pleading. It is true that even Solomon said that one should cast their bread upon the waters so that it may return after many days. But he did not specifically state that the return would be ten-fold. There is certainly a truism here at the very least and even secular studies suggest that a generous outlook tends to lead to a more positive outcome.

ImageRecently I noted that my garden tended to be devoid of bird-life so I invested in a bird-feeder and some birdseed. Initially…

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Sowing a Seed – (In My Case Birdseed.)

Posted on March 15, 2014 by davidgrose

ImageToday when viewing or listening to the Christian media one often finds references to “Sowing a seed,”  in connection with funding of Christian ministries. Sometimes these appeals are accompanied by direct promises that any gift to their ministry will result in a guaranteed return of many times the original gift. This return comes from “God” and never from the ministry that is doing the pleading. It is true that even Solomon said that one should cast their bread upon the waters so that it may return after many days. But he did not specifically state that the return would be ten-fold. There is certainly a truism here at the very least and even secular studies suggest that a generous outlook tends to lead to a more positive outcome.

ImageRecently I noted that my garden tended to be devoid of bird-life so I invested in a bird-feeder and some birdseed. Initially, after I put it outside there seemed to be no takers. The next morning it seemed that hardly any of the seed had been eaten. I was at work during the day and by the time I got back about half of the seed had gone. For the next week or so it took about two days before the birds would eat most of the contents of the feeder. Now I have to fill it at least once a day. The birds that used the feeder were predominantly chaffinches and sparrows. There was the occasional robin with a few great tits and blue tits. What surprised me was that the birds tended to be fussy about which seeds they ate and would throw those they did not want on the floor. This in turn would attract other birds such as blackbirds and doves who preferred to eat seed on the ground. I began to notice that as well as birds at the feeder there were more birds in the trees waiting there turn at the feeder. A couple of weeks ago I noticed a coal tit, in the garden it visited several times during the day and eventually managed to use the feeder. I managed to photograph it but have have not seen it since. ImageThis week I have seen a yellowhammer in the garden feeding off the seed on the floor. I first saw it on Monday and have seen it nearly everyday since. It was a male one but initially I was not sure because I was unfamiliar with the species only having glimpses of them in the past and never in my garden. The females are duller than the males but I did not have both to compare them so I initially mistook a male for a female. Yellowhammers are not known as garden birds and more associated with the open countryside. Since I first posted this they have appeared in greater numbers. But they are wild birds and I cannot guarantee more species can come into my garden. True, I could put more feeders with different seeds that might attract other species. However, when it comes to Christian giving does our giving relate to our blessing. In one sense Christ died for us while we were yet sinners so our blessings are related to the finished work of Christ. Yet on the other hand we are urged to work out our salvation, and James said “I shall show you my faith by my works” All too often when we ask how much shall we give what we really mean is how little can we get away with giving. So sometimes we object to appeals because they prick our consciences and make us uncomfortable. If we are giving purely because we expect a reward then we are giving in the wrong spirit and the Lord may withhold the blessing because of it. Just because a farmer sows a lot of seed it does not guarantee a good harvest. But if he does not sow any seed then he will not get any harvest. Far too often we sow sparsely and expect a bumper harvest, then blame God when it does not happen. Just because some people abuse the concept of sowing a seed does not mean that it is invalid. The day after I originally posted this I saw as many as six yellowhammers in my garden at one time all eating my birdseed.
Now that I have a bird feeder I have seen more birds in my garden, but there are still occasions when there are none. All too easily something disturbs them and they fly off. Likewise, there will be times in our lives when God’s blessings seem to have flown away, but if we are patient they will surely return. If I was to go out into my garden when there were no birds and I ranted and raved at them then I would be driving them further away. Because there are more birds in the garden then I have more opportunities to photograph them, though they can still be very camera shy. Still, I have to take the opportunities that are presented.
Another thing I have noticed that some species are very reluctant to use the feeder itself, I noticed a hedge sparrow, or dunnock, trying on one occasion to eat from the feeder yet remain on the twig adjacent to the feeder rather than use the perch provided. Similarly there are those of us who are reluctant lean upon Christ and foolishly try to rely on the natural.
Another thought that has occurred to be me is that there are those birds that rely on the seed that other birds have thrown to the ground. Is there not a parallel between those who will listen to the sermons of others, nothing wrong in itself, yet are most reluctant to go to the spiritual source, the Bible, for their spiritual food.

David Rose 2014.

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Water from the Rock – The Danger of Pride.

Posted on February 16, 2014 by davidgrose

There are two incidents recorded in the Pentateuch where Moses was called upon to bring water from the rock. The first occurred in Exodus chapter 17 and the second in Numbers chapter 20. The first happened on the Israelites journey to the Holy Mount Horeb. The second took place some time after the Israelites believed the spies bad report and rebelled against the Lord. It is not clear whether they took place at the same location. However the second time Moses offended the Lord and was forbidden to enter the Promised Land. On the first occasion the Lord spoke in verses 5 and 6 to Moses- “”Walk on ahead of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will stand before you by the rock of Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.” On the second occasion in Numbers chapter 20 the Lord told Moses to speak to the rock yet he forgot that when addressed the assembly. “So Moses took the staff from the Lord’s presence, just as He commanded him. He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock ans Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring out water from the rock?” Then he raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron. Because you did not trust in me enough to honour me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.” Verses 9-12. This seems rather harsh with all that Moses had to put up with. But is it? When one considers that Moses was only told to speak to the rock, and not harangue the assembly as well as physically striking the rock. I believe God wanted to show the Israelites that it God himself that was to provide the miracle of the water. Moses’ action drew attention to himself and away from God. It was no excuse for Moses to say that on the previous occasion he was told to strike the rock (though scripture does not record this.) It is all too easy to call any change ‘unbiblical’ and assume that just because it met with God’s approval in the past it will always be the right way to do something. It is all too easy for us to reduce things to a magic formula.

The second point I would make concerns the miraculous today. Do our egos get in the way of God performing miracles today? I mean we would all like to go up to somebody in a wheelchair and say the words of Acts chapter 3 – “In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” But to whose glory would we do it? If we do it so that what should go totally to God rubs off on us, then our motives are wrong. It is often said that more miracles occur in the third world, now that may be because the lack of physical resources, but maybe it could be because of a better spiritual attitude. In the western world today it is virtually impossible to attribute anything positive to God. So maybe God will not grant us miracles because it would hinder our own spiritual development, seeking a worldly power over our fellow believers? I include myself in this as well, because I would have admit mixed motives. If that is so then may not God withhold healing? Are we not to seek the Lord’s heart rather demand that he complies with our wishes?

David Rose 2014

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