Matthew 11 Is Amazing!

John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.’ [Matthew 11.10] 

Matthew 11 is amazing!

Regardless what may be said otherwise, there is simply no way to fully comprehend the life and ministry of Jesus Christ without first understanding the life and ministry of John the Baptist.

In the context of Matthew 11, Jesus provided great insight:

For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time. [Matthew 11.13]

The prophets and the law of Moses went hand in hand. The law revealed man's sin, and the prophets called for repentance of that sin. This is precisely what John the Baptist re-emphasized in preparation for Jesus. However, instead of following through with prescribed sacrifices, John baptized people. John's baptism was a baptism of repentance.

Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.” [Acts 19.4]

Repentance is the preparation for Jesus. It might also be accurately concluded that if Jesus then is not "seen" then repentance has not taken place, giving paramount importance to repentance.

What sin is being talked about here?

The prophets and the law of Moses dealt directly with man's sin problem. Specifically, and as might be expected by the arrangement of the law of Moses, the sin problem of man can be understood as idolatry. The first three Commandments are the first three Commandments for a very good reason! John the Baptist's baptism of repentance dealt primarily with man's violation of the first three Commandments.

John's message and baptism of repentance for violation of the first three Commandments (regarding idolatry) was the perfect segue into (preparation for) a new understanding of the 4th Commandment about the Sabbath - about the rest God wrote into the Ten Commandments long before anyone really understood why. John's call to repentance prepared the way to embrace the rest found in Jesus Christ, The Sabbath Rest. Matthew 11 also includes this important information from Jesus, the Sabbath Rest:

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” [Matthew 11.28-30]

If however, people failed to repent for the Godward sin of idolatry, then they would fail to comprehend Jesus as the Sabbath Rest, and then they would have no basis to understand the remaining six manward Commandments.

While, for years, I have felt that John the Baptist was having a weak and doubtful moment in prison, I now see instead that John was actually brilliantly doing his job of "preparing the way" for Jesus when he sent his disciples to Him with a question that would intentionally unveil amazing truth.

John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” [Matthew 11.2-3]

I now don't think that John was having doubts. Instead, John crafted the perfect question for his disciples to ask Jesus so that they might understand for themselves what and who John had indeed been "preparing the way" for in calling for the baptism of repentance. And what did John lead them to learn?

Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” [Matthew 11.4-5]

Jesus sent John's disciples right back to John with powerful confirmation of John's accomplished task of "preparing the way." Repentance for idolatry had been re-established and miracles were the result. What a leaning moment for John's disciples! And what a confirmation for John in what would be his final days!

Religion and religious people refuse to acknowledge this. In Luke's account of the same Matthew 11 discussion about John the Baptist, we find this damning statement:

But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God’s plan for them, for they had refused John’s baptism. [Luke 7.30]

Later, Jesus would reveal the consequences for those who rejected both John's baptism of repentance and Jesus' message of the Good News: miracles as the result of repentance.

This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, ‘When you hear what I say, you will not  understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’ [Matthew 13.14-15]

Religion and religious people always have and always will reject the notion that they are idolatrous, and therefore need to repent, so that when they do, they will enjoy God's miraculous power. Stiff necked, unrepentant people, like the religious ones who opposed Jesus, must have religion to excuse their powerless existence. They simply cannot accept the the truth of Jesus Christ plainly recorded in the Gospels - but must instead "explain away" most everything Jesus said.

And yet, Jesus' demand in Matthew 16.24 reveals the idolatry that must be given up and the cross that must be taken up in order to follow Him:

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24]

Repentance for sin is much deeper than being sorry for stealing a cookie. Every sin of man is traceable back to idolatry - starting with the idolatry to "self" - placing our own will over the will of God (the original sin in the Garden of Eden). 

Until we understand John's message of repentance (in perfect harmony with the prophets and the law of Moses), we can never understand Jesus or enjoy the power of God.

Father, I feel like I have stumbled through these thoughts here in amazement but also in accuracy. May I constantly see the depth of Jesus' call to give up my own way (turn away from idolatry - repent), take up my cross (the power of God, 1 Corinthians 1.18), and follow Him. So be it!

How Do YOU See It?

“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! [Matthew 6.22-23] 

Okay, so, I have reviewed this passage before... 

Why is this discussion about "the eye" right in the midst of Jesus' discussion about material things, life, and God's provision? Well, we might rightly conclude many things, but something I personally have not discussed before now regarding this passage is the fact that the eye has much to do with the topic of idolatry.

Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, and feet but cannot walk, and throats but cannot make a sound. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them. [Psalm 115.4-8 bold added]

The idols of the nations are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and mouths but cannot breathe. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them. [Psalm 135.15-18 bold added]

Actually, only until we understand the role of the eye in idolatry, do we fully comprehend the fact that Matthew 6-16-34 is all about trusting in God alone for everything. The opposite of trusting God alone is idolatry - trusting in anything other than or in addition to God.

It is not ironic that Jesus also used the role of "the eye" elsewhere in a discussion about us being healed:

For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’ [Matthew 13.15 bold added]

We have control of what we see. We can look upon the world's life-solutions (idols) or we can intentionally look to God. The problem with looking to the world's idols is that, in time, and, much akin to snow blindness, we cannot see anything else. Consequently then, we cannot "see" and therefore, cannot enjoy, the miraculous blessings of God.

What is said here is true because it is what God's Word teaches ...if only we will to see it. If we do not make it our will to see God as our Provider for everything, He will provide nothing and we are left to the methods and conventions of man (idols). And, that is where we are today. And, that is why the Church today is quite literally a "joke" to the world when it comes to the indisputable power of God.

The sad truth that we see today however is that the Church is quite content in its powerless state. Oh sure, there is much "talk" about the power of God however, it is always in abstract terms like those the apostle Paul warned of:

They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! [2 Timothy 3.5]

In fact, in the context of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters five through seven, we also find these less-than-settling words:

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. [Matthew 7.13-14]

In light of all this, is it any wonder that Jesus began His famous Sermon on the Mount with these words about how we "see" ourselves?

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. [Matthew 5.3] 

We simply must have the will to see our present condition - our inherent need for God. Idols blind us to this fact - the more we look to them, the less we see God.

How do YOU "see it"?

Father, You have NEVER been vague regarding what we "see." You have NEVER been unclear about where we place our trust. You have been nothing less than demanding that we trust ONLY You. May we be found giving up our own way (all the man-made things we trust in), taking up our cross (giving up our own way to the point of reckless abandon), and following Jesus so closely that our lives are one with His. So be it.

Don't Misunderstand!

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. [Matthew 5.17-19]

What is the purpose of God's law and the prophets?

Watch this...

The purpose of God's law and the prophets was, is, and ever will be, to reveal Jesus. God's law and the prophets revealed Jesus in those who anticipated His walk earth. God's law and the prophets revealed Jesus as He walked the earth in person. God's law and the prophets reveal Jesus as He walks the earth in us today.

Use of God's law and the prophets for any other purpose is false religion.

So, what is required of those who walk in Jesus? Everything the law and prophets said. 

First, God's Commandments - God's law must be kept: namely not only keep God first, but keep God only, no idols whatsoever - no allowances, no excuses, no misuse of God's name to save face for idolatry, honoring Jesus (the Sabbath) in everything, and treating others as we wish to be treated. Jesus is central to it all.

Secondly, God's prophets - God's word concerning failure to keep His law. This one is summed up in one word: repent.

Unironically, Jesus summed all this up in one carefully-crafted statement:

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24]

Because the purpose of the law and the prophets is Jesus, any attempt to downplay or lessen their role is nothing less than the work of Satan. It is indeed false religion deceptively hiding behind a cloak of "grace" never intended. To ignore the law and the prophets calling it "grace" is to ignore Jesus missing the point entirely.

Father, may the false grace teaching that is so popular today be revealed for what it really is. May the true grace of God's undeserved call to Jesus be seen as the reason we might be chosen when and only when we submit entirely in faith. May we give up our own way, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. So be it.

Jesus Is The Sabbath Rest

Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” [Mark 2.27-28] 

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Church in Colosse, made a statement about the Sabbath that cannot be overlooked:

So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality. [Colossians 2.16-17]

Paul indicates that Jesus is the reality of the Sabbath. What is that reality? 

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” [Matthew 20.28]

With this established, we can look at God's 4th Commandment and understand it in its fullness!

“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. [Exodus 20.8-11] 

The 4th Commandment is perhaps one of the most compelling prophecies of Jesus in the Bible! Is it any wonder that the 4th Commandment takes more Bible "real estate" than any of the other Commandments? 

Jesus said:

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. [Matthew 11.28]

Jesus also said:

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24]

Our rest is found in giving up our own effort to save ourselves - to self-preserve - to serve ourselves. Effort to serve ourselves is idolatry (ref. Matthew 20.28 above).

The Cross was Jesus' only reason to come to earth. On His Cross He fulfilled every facet of His earth-purpose - His selfless mission to serve, and not be served. Our cross then, that Jesus demands we take up, fulfills every facet of our earth-purpose - to selflessly serve, and not be served.

Sadly, many today focus on the Sabbath exactly like the religious people in Jesus' day focused on the Sabbath: they completely fail to see Jesus as the Sabbath. We must observe the Sabbath because the Sabbath is Jesus. If we disallow Jesus' rest for us, then we are 'taking care of ourselves' in our own way - we are committing idolatry.

Father, thank You for this reminder today that Jesus is indeed our Sabbath Rest. Help us meditate on this Biblical Truth understanding that our failure to rest entirely in Jesus is idolatry in its basest form. May our meditation on this Truth lead to our freedom from idolatry - our giving up our own way, taking up our cross, and following Jesus. So be it.

Are We Healthy?

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” [Matthew 9.9-13] 

Idols give man a false sense of righteousness. This is the very reason so many refuse to see the truth about idols of our day. Religion has validated modern idols to the point that, few people, if any, see their need to repent for the curses that they can remediate with idols.

The idols of our day are finance, insurance, medicine and technology (to name to main categories). Sadly, religion could be included in this list because it promotes these idols.

To remediate curses (preventative or restorative), people today turn to idols instead of God. They turn to idols for reprieve instead of turning to God in repentance. Again, idols, fueled by false religion, give man a false sense of righteousness - a false sense that all is well.

Every life inconvenience for which man turns to finance, insurance, medicine and technology is a curse. Curses are God's way to confirm that man has disobeyed Him and needs to repent. When man turns to man-made industries for relief from curses declaring those industries as "gifts from God," man effectively denies his spiritual guilt thus falsely declaring himself "healthy" (as Jesus put it) and not in need of a "doctor." Jesus' "call" then (as the doctor) does not even reach the ears of the "healthy" in this regard.

While Jesus' statement, "I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices," seems out of place, it actually speaks directly to us today in our time (as if He knew the meaning would mature with society). In contrast to repentance - a plea for mercy, all the idols of man require payment - a costly sacrifice.

In the midst of man's need (for money, protection, health and knowledge), man's corresponding idols make people think they are righteous, while in contrast, God's true people know they are not (recognizing the true source of their curse) and need to repent. Idols offer remedies for curses that are God's call to repentance. But God's call to repentance is not heard by those whose curses are remedied by idols.

To the point of what is said here, today's One Year Chronological Bible reading gives further evidence:

Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” [Matthew 9.5-6]

The man's need in Matthew 9.5-6 was not remedied by a man-made idol, but by coming to Jesus. Jesus dealt with the spiritual problem that had the man bound to a curse (in mercy, forgiving him) and physical healing was the result. Jesus proved that healing is not the result of a costly sacrifice (like the price paid to the then-current religion, or the price paid today to finance, insurance medicine or technology) but the result of God's mercy (when we humbly come to Him in repentance - turning away from every idol and turning only to Jesus).

Idols are man's way to remedy curses. Jesus is God's way to remedy curses.

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24]

Do we see ourselves as spiritually "healthy" because we make our sacrifices to finance, insurance, medicine and technology (even religion)? Or, do we see ourselves sick and in need of Jesus? We need the remedy provided by God's mercy, not the remedy provided by our sacrifices to idols.

Father, I can only pray that readers will see this as You have revealed it to me today. Help us to see that our self-declaration of "health" because we make sacrificial payments to finance, insurance, medicine and technology is the plot of Satan to damn us to hell. Help us to see that we only need the "doctor," Jesus, that we might receive Your forgiveness, and therefore, relief from curses. I know our current secular and even spiritual societies don't see curses as a call to repentance... but Your Word is clear. May our pursuit be only of You, as we follow Jesus, giving up our way of "sacrifices" to idols, and taking up our cross of "mercy" denying idols any place in our lives. So be it.

A Frank Discussion About Miracles

Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all. Large crowds followed him wherever he went—people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River. [Matthew 4.23-25] 

What do we know about our role as followers of Christ? We know we are to reach people. Matthew 4.23-25 gives us a synopsis of how Jesus reached people: 1) He taught the Good News about the Kingdom, 2) He healed the sick (all of them), and 3) people flocked to Him.

This is perfectly consistent with Jesus' call to Andrew, Peter, James and John found in today's One Year Chronological Bible reading.

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind. [Matthew 4.18-22]

"Fishing for people" is often overlooked for what it really means. Anyone who has ever fished knows this one simple truth: "You don't just go to the water and pull fish out!" To catch fish in quantity, one must employ a method to capture them. That method is a net.

The net Jesus used to "capture people" was employed only after He went to them (where do you catch fish? In the water!). Jesus then effectively utilized miracles in effect to "capture" people. The "net effect" of miracles woks because people need and want them, so naturally they follow them. They did in Jesus' day and they still do today. 

The problem today is that even though very few of God's people even go so far as to offer miracles, even fewer actually provide them. In contrast however, man-made idols propose to meet people's needs by offering what might be called "pseudo miracles." The same "net effect" is employed by idols and, sadly, it works for them too. People believe the "miracles of finance, insurance, medicine or technology" and flock to them because they see them work every day (at least to some degree) while, in contrast, they do not believe the miracles of the Kingdom because, frankly, they do not see them work at all.

Teaching the Good News about the Kingdom is indeed a requirement for all who would follow Jesus. Performing miracles is also a requirement for all who would follow Jesus. Jesus made this point allegorically in His call to Andrew and Peter, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” But then, at another more intimate time with His disciples, Jesus used clear language to confirm this fact:

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. [John 14.12]

To "fish for people" without employing miracles is not Christ-like. In this regard, the idol-industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology are more "Christ-like" by providing "miracles" (ultimately ineffective as they are) than are Jesus' own followers. Jesus' followers should shudder to consider the "Christ-likeness" attempted by these man-made, Satanically deceptive, idol-industries:

“How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’ [Isaiah 14.12-14 bold added]

Satan has always wanted to be like God. Jesus' most notable earthly work was His miracles. How can God's people today not see that the idol-industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology are doing the exact same thing? They are attempting to duplicate Jesus' miracles and people are flocking to them. All the while, God's people are "teaching the Word" in powerless miracle-less existence lamenting that they are ineffective in reaching people for the Kingdom.

The miracle-disconnect in God's people is the direct result of their own miracle-connect with the idol-industries of finance, insurance medicine and technology. There is but one solution: stop getting "miracles" from idols! God's people should be fully committed to get their miracles from God or not get them at all. The three Hebrews said it best to Nebuchadnezzar:

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” [Daniel 3.16-18]

The three Hebrews' commitment to deny idols, even unto death, is exactly what Jesus calls every follower of His to:

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24]

Father, the more I understand the role of idolatry in the history of Your people, the more I see it in the history of Your people today. Your people are arguably more immersed in idolatry today than at any other time in history... evident in where our "miracles" come from... May those truly intent on pleasing You today, reserve their faith for You alone - even if it kills them. May we give up our own way, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. So be it.

What Is A Miracle?

There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.” [John 3.1-2] 

Why did Nicodemus assume that miraculous signs were evidence that God was with Jesus? Well, for starters, because they ARE! Jesus Himself would later confirm this as fact in a conversation with Philip:

Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do. [John 14.9-11]

There is a distinction between what is miraculous and what is natural - scientific - worldly - humanly possible. That distinction is what set Jesus apart. That distinction is what sets Jesus' followers apart.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. [John 14.12]

Anything that requires human manipulation is NOT a miracle. Just because man utilizes materials created by a miracle (by God) to accomplish a certain function or task, does make that thing a miracle.

Finance, insurance, medicine and technology are NOT miracles. They are, in fact, the works of man. Yes, God created man and God created every material utilized to develop these industries, but God did not make these industries - they are man's manipulation of God's materials. Just like the gold calf Israel worshiped in the wilderness, they are not miracles and they are not from God regardless what we say.

When the people saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron. “Come on,” they said, “make us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.” So Aaron said, “Take the gold rings from the ears of your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.” All the people took the gold rings from their ears and brought them to Aaron. Then Aaron took the gold, melted it down, and molded it into the shape of a calf. When the people saw it, they exclaimed, “O Israel, these are the gods who brought you out of the land of Egypt!” Aaron saw how excited the people were, so he built an altar in front of the calf. Then he announced, “Tomorrow will be a festival to the LORD!” The people got up early the next morning to sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings. After this, they celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry. [Exodus 32.1-6]

No matter how much Aaron tried to justify the man-made gold calf declaring a festival associating it with the LORD (specifically using God's name, "Jehovah"), it was an idol. So it is, that no matter how much God's people try to claim the industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology are from God, they are still just idols. It is blasphemy to declare they are anything more than that - just like Aaron did - it is a blatant misuse of God's name (violation of 3rd Commandment).

According to what the Bible actually teaches us, it is just plain stupid, to defend the man-made industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology as miracles (gifts) from God.

The fact that God's people don't really experience indisputable miracles today is another topic, but one that is Biblically traceable to what is discussed here. Suffice it to say, there is indeed a huge distinction between what is God and what is an idol. Jesus proved it. His followers are supposed to prove it.

Just because the Church is miracle-less today does not mean it is supposed to be that way. God's people have NO excuse ...but they have religion!

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! [2 Timothy 3.1-5 bold added]

The point of this article is NOT to encourage the pursuit of miracles. The point of this article is to encourage the pursuit of Jesus. The evidence of doing so WILL BE distinct, indisputable miracles. 

The implications of this are overwhelming. However, it does NOT change what God's Word (written and Living in Christ) says. It only makes Jesus' words in Matthew 16.24 even more poignant:

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24]

Religion and religious people will line up to disagree with what is said here. They will defend their "experience" over what the Bible actually teaches. But, that very defense of their experience in contrast to what the Bible says, is in itself, idolatry.

Father, there is a certain people-pleasing part of me that wishes I couldn't see the truth of the Biblical facts here, and therefore wouldn't keep writing about it... May I instead, unapologetically give up my own way, take up my cross, and follow Jesus regardless who joins in ... or fights it. So be it.