Conspiracy theories ∙∙

Conspiracy theories ∙∙

Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” –

John 20:1-2

Matthew 28:11-15

 11 Now, while they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.

 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,

 13 and said, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’”

 14 “And if this should come to the governor’s ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble.”

 15 And they took the money and did as they had been instructed, and this story was widely spread among the Jews and is to this day.

Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, a small but vocal group of people around the world believe that the Earth is flat. Claims that the earth is round are either an unproven theory or a deliberate deception. Polls conducted by YouGov America in 2018 and FDU in 2022 revealed that up to 11% of Americans may hold this belief (theconversation.com).

How is this possible?

While it might be easy to dismiss “Flat Earthers” as a mildly amusing curiosity, we mustn’t underestimate their influence. We ignore their arguments at our peril. Polls indicate that conspiracy theories often overlap, sometimes leading to radicalization. Understanding how Flat Earthers share and defend their beliefs can shed light on why these ideas are so resistant to debunking (Carlos Diaz Ruiz, The Conversation).

Conspiracy theories hold a certain allure, often appealing to those who crave the thrill of possessing secret, forbidden knowledge. This exclusivity can make believers feel more intelligent or more enlightened than others, complicating efforts by loved ones to change their minds.

Indulging in conspiracy theories can be exhilarating, even intoxicating, often transforming into a celebrated movement or campaign. “Unfortunately, many conspiracy theory believers are thrilled by the opportunity to feel like they have access to forbidden or secret knowledge – a chance to seem smarter than others. It certainly adds to the appeal and immediately undermines the efforts of loved ones trying to pull them out” (News Literacy Project)

“One strategy they use is to take sides in existing debates. People who are deeply attached to one side of a culture war are likely to wield any and all arguments (including truths, half-truths, and opinions) if it helps them win. People invest their identity into the group and are more willing to believe fellow allies rather than perceived opponents – a phenomenon that sociologists call neo-tribalism.”

“The problem arises when people internalize disinformation as part of their identity. While news articles can be fact-checked, personal beliefs cannot. When conspiracy theories are part of someone’s value system or worldview, it is difficult to challenge them” (Tomas Nilsson).

In my upbringing, my community firmly believed that Jesus Christ was neither the Messiah nor the Savior of the world—a notion dismissed as a myth invented by others. It wasn’t until I researched for myself that I discovered His true identity and chose to believe in Him.

When did this supposed conspiracy start? It was on the third day after the crucifixion when Jesus’ tomb was found empty.

Luke 24:1-3

 1 But very early on Sunday morning, the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.

 2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.

 3 So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus.

How can this possibly be explained?

The disappearance of the dead body can only be accounted for in two ways. The first possibility is that the body was stolen. The second possibility is that the Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead, as He had predicted.

Mark 16:6 The angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.

The religious leaders would have none of this. It didn’t fit their agenda. So they concocted a story, and a conspiracy theory was hatched. Remains in place down through the centuries.

Matthew 28:11-15

 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,

 13 and said, “You are to say, “His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.”

 15 And they took the money and did as they had been instructed, and this story was widely spread among the Jews and is to this day.

REFLECT & PRAY

“One of the common failings among honorable people is a failure to appreciate how thoroughly dishonorable some other people can be, and how dangerous it is to trust them” (Thomas Sowell).

Father, thank You for the empty tomb and the resurrection. Please help me to discern and dismiss conspiracy theories that are baseless and without merit.

INSIGHT

The spin doctors wove their web of deception, bribing soldiers to concoct a false narrative about the events. The tale they spun was questionable. Under Roman law, guards who fell asleep on duty faced execution, yet they claimed to have been sleeping. If they were indeed asleep, wouldn’t the noise of the massive stone being moved have woken them?

“The elders gave the soldiers instructions about the lie they were to tell the public. It is ironic that the thing the elders feared (theft of Jesus’ body by the disciples, the reason they posted soldiers at the tomb) became the story they concocted to explain the empty tomb” (Richison).

As with many conspiracy theories, this one had obvious flaws. It’s almost laughable that the soldiers were told to spread the rumor that Jesus’ disciples stole his body while they were asleep. If they were asleep, how could they possibly know what happened to Jesus’ body? Matthew recorded this narrative with a touch of irony and humor, highlighting how absurd it was to believe the rumor that Jesus’ disciples had taken his body (UBS).

“Anyone who stole the body would have taken the body in the graveclothes. Yet the empty graveclothes were left in the tomb in an orderly manner. This was hardly the scene of a grave robbery” (Wiersbe).

Interestingly, no one ever produced Jesus’ dead body. If the aim were to debunk the resurrection and disprove the nascent, emerging church, displaying the dead body would have sufficed.

The spin doctors wove their web of deception, bribing soldiers to concoct a false narrative about the events. The tale they spun was questionable. Under Roman law, guards who fell asleep on duty faced execution, yet they claimed to have been sleeping. If they were indeed asleep, wouldn’t the noise of the massive stone being moved have woken them?

“The elders gave the soldiers instructions about the lie they were to tell the public. It is ironic that the thing the elders feared (theft of Jesus’ body by the disciples, the reason they posted soldiers at the tomb) became the story they concocted to explain the empty tomb” (Richison).

As with many conspiracy theories, this one had obvious flaws. It’s almost laughable that the soldiers were told to spread the rumor that Jesus’ disciples stole his body while they were asleep. If they were asleep, how could they possibly know what happened to Jesus’ body? Matthew recorded this narrative with a touch of irony and humor, highlighting how absurd it was to believe the rumor that Jesus’ disciples had taken his body (UBS).

“Anyone who stole the body would have taken the body in the graveclothes. Yet the empty graveclothes were left in the tomb in an orderly manner. This was hardly the scene of a grave robbery” (Wiersbe).

So, what actually happened?

Jesus was crucified and buried, and He rose from the dead on the third day. This resurrection is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. The resurrection affirms that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world.

1 Corinthians 15:57 Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

HE IS RISEN!

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

¯\_(ツ)_/¯10-16-2

© Dr. H 2024

Self-absorbed distractions ∙

Self-absorbed distractions ∙

You are worried and bothered about so many things, but only one thing is necessary – Luke 10:41-42

Luke 21:34-36

 34 Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by . . . the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware,

 35 like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth.

 36 Keep alert at all times.

In 1904, Sigismund Goetze displayed his painting, “He was Despised and Rejected of Men,” at the exhibition of the Royal Academy in London. At the time, it created somewhat of a fuss.

Paintings of the suffering of Christ are abundant. However, this painting is somewhat unique. The Lord Jesus Christ is pictured in the center, tied to a pedestal. An angel stands high above in the background. His head bowed, holding a cup.

Although the Lord Jesus Christ is in the midst of a large group of people, they take little notice of Him. They pass by without even glancing in His direction. They are all caught up in their daily activities. It is business as usual. Life goes on for all but one. A nurse easily identified by her uniform has turned her eyes toward Him. What is remarkable is that the people are all dressed in contemporary Victorian-style clothing. Goetze juxtaposed the suffering of Christ ordained in eternity past with the mundanity of contemporary life.

A closer look reveals Christ tied to an altar inscribed with “The Unknown God,” echoing the apostle Paul’s reference in Athens (Acts 17:23). This subtle detail weaves together historical and spiritual themes, enriching the narrative with depth and complexity.

The scene is very similar to what we might expect in the 21st century. Transposing this scene into today’s world, only fashion would change. People would likely be fixated on their smartphones, engrossed and unaware as they pass by. A closer look reveals Christ tied to an altar inscribed with “The Unknown God,” echoing the apostle Paul’s reference in Athens (Acts 17:23). This subtle detail weaves together historical and spiritual themes, enriching the narrative with depth and complexity.

Of course, that is the point of Goetze’s painting. For the vast majority of people, the Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for the sins of the world remains unknown or ignored.

Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Acts 17:22-23

 22 Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way,

 23 for as I was walking along, I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: “To an Unknown God.” This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about.

REFLECT & PRAY

Caught up in the rush of daily activities, it is far too easy to become oblivious or insensitive to the Lord Jesus Christ. We forget.

Father, as you know, life in the 21st century is rushed and packed with busyness.

Enable me to make steady progress and give You the highest priority in my life.

INSIGHT

Who is Jesus Christ, and why does it matter?

The Lord Jesus Christ performed many signs to demonstrate His true identity.

John 20:30-31

 30 Therefore, many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;

 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

When Christ was alive on earth, many people were perplexed and struggled to understand His true identity.

Matthew 16:13-17

 13 Now, when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.”

The Lord Jesus Christ was well aware of what was going on and who would believe and who would not. He clearly articulated this understanding and provided the reasoning behind it.

John 6:64-66

 64 “But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him.

 65 And He was saying, “For this reason, I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.”

 66 As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.

Faith is a choice, a personal decision. Yet the Father actively works to encourage individuals to become part of His Forever Family to come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

Peter understood the full significance of believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is through this faith that we receive forgiveness and eternal salvation. There is no other way to come to the Father.

John 6:68-69

 68 Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.”

 69 “We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.”

Once we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we face ongoing choices about how we nurture our relationship with Him. We can become consumed by the distractions of everyday life, or we can choose to prioritize our connection with Christ. This decision rests with each of us. Making Christ the focal point of our lives is a process, a skill that every child of the King can cultivate.

It requires time and effort, and not every day will be the same. We experience periods of significant spiritual growth and closeness, as well as times of dryness. This is entirely normal. As A. H. Strong noted, “Growth is not a uniform thing in the tree or in the Christian. In some single months, there is more growth than in all the year besides. During the rest of the year, however, there is solidification, without which the green timber would be useless. The period of rapid growth, when the woody fiber is actually deposited between the bark and the trunk, occupies but four to six weeks in May, June, and July.”

We need to learn to unstring our bow now and then and relieve the tension. Don’t be discouraged! Continue striving toward the high calling we’ve been given (Philippians 3:14).

Whether or not they are children of the King, people often become too easily distracted from what truly matters.

Luke 10:41-42 You are worried and bothered about so many things, but only one thing is necessary.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯4-18-2

© Dr. H 2024

Have Bible – Will Travel

Have Bible – Will Travel

Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. – Acts 9:15

2 Corinthians 11:23-28

 23 Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again.

 24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes.

 25 Three times, I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once, I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea.

 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.

 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.

 28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches.

“Have Gun – Will Travel” is a beloved American TV series that was broadcast on CBS from 1957 to 1963. Set in the Old West, it intrigued viewers with its mix of action, drama, and thoughtful themes. As a trailblazer in the Western genre during the 1950s and 1960s, the show left a lasting impression on the television industry.

The series centers on Paladin, a refined and cultured gunfighter portrayed by Richard Boone. Paladin is a professional gunslinger, detective, and problem solver, traveling wherever his skills are required. Unlike the typical Western hero, Paladin is well-educated and has a strong appreciation for classical literature, fine arts, and gourmet food. His business card, featuring the phrase “Have Gun – Will Travel,” captures his readiness to take on challenges.

What made “Have Gun – Will Travel” stand out was its clever storytelling and deep character development. The show frequently addressed social issues and moral dilemmas. Paladin was a complex character, guided by honor and principles, using both his intellect and his revolver skills to solve problems.

The series had a significant impact on both the Western genre and television storytelling as a whole. Even decades after its final episode, it remains a landmark in TV history. Its influence is seen in the way modern Westerns and action series focus on character depth and intricate narratives. The themes of justice, morality, and the human experience continue to resonate with today’s audiences. Its enduring influence proves that great storytelling and compelling characters are timeless.

The Ballad of Paladin

Johnny Western

Have gun will travel, reads the card of a man

A knight without armor in a savage land

His fast for gun hire heeds the calling wind

A soldier of fortune is a man called Paladin

REFLECT & PRAY

In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. – 2 Corinthians 6:4

Father, may we seek to serve You as devoted, chosen instruments. Give us courage and strength to face resistance and overcome suffering wherever You may send us.

INSIGHT

Some 1900 years before, there was Paladin, the mythical hero from the old West; there was Paul, the Apostle. The stories regarding Paul’s life and many letters he wrote became part of the New Testament Scriptures.

Paul the Apostle, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a Roman citizen and a devout Jew. Initially, he did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah of Israel. In fact, he considered belief in Jesus, who had died a criminal’s death by crucifixion, to be a dangerous threat to the Jewish faith. He sought to eliminate early Jewish followers of Jesus. However, everything changed in the blink of an eye when he encountered the living Christ on the road to Damascus.

He realized that the Lord Jesus Christ was alive. He was resurrected from the dead. Paul accepted Him as his Savior and Lord. His new Master gave him a commission to spread the Christian faith. Saul of Tarsus was now Paul, the servant and apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. What an incredible reversal: from persecutor to promoter.

Paul made several missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, where he established churches and shared the teachings of Jesus Christ with both Jews and non-Jews alike. He also authored 13 books of the New Testament, including notable works such as Romans and Ephesians. Known for his mastery of theology, he addressed critical theological and ethical issues, shaping Christian doctrine on topics like salvation, grace, and faith.

While Paladin aided the oppressed and fought for the cause of justice, Paul comforted the oppressed and fought for the cause of Christ. Paul, too, was a complex character, guided by duty and loyal commitment, using both his intellect and his skills with a sword, the Word of God.

But Paul’s new assignment was amazing! He was commissioned to be the Lord Jesus Christ’s personal representative to the Gentile nations of the world. Yet his calling also had a foreboding, ominous side.

Paul must suffer to make Christ known.

Acts 9:15-16

 15 The Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.”

 16 “And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”

The Lord Jesus Christ selected Paul to serve Him. The Greek term translated as “vessel or instrument” is skeuos, which typically means a container, a vessel, or an implement. When skeuos applies to a person, it is equivalent to “someone who serves someone else.” The phrase “my chosen instrument” or “a vessel of choice for me” is a first-century Hebrewism for stating “someone chose a vessel or instrument.” Thus, the phrase means, “I have chosen him (to serve me)” (UBS).

The final phrase, “for my sake,” is an expression of purpose. What is the purpose of Christ’s choice of Paul?

Tannehill effectively encapsulates Saul’s unique calling as depicted in Acts. The Lord selects Saul to serve as a witness to both Jews and Gentiles. His mission will face resistance and entail suffering, yet it promises to bring enlightenment. He will preach repentance. Paul’s message about Jesus will be based on what he has seen and heard.

Acts 9:15-16 emphasizes that those who are willing to face difficulties and endure hardships are the ones capable of sharing the Gospel in a challenging world. As devoted servants of Christ, it is essential to seek not only knowledge and wisdom but also perseverance and strength from Him to remain indefatigable and resilient and not become discouraged in the face of the inevitable suffering experienced by those serving the King.

Ready to travel for the Father?

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

© Dr. H 2024

Harps on the willows ∙∙

Harps on the willows ∙∙

The LORD said, “I will make Jerusalem a heap of ruins. Jackals will make their home there. I will destroy the towns of Judah so that no one will be able to live in them.” Jeremiah 9:11

Psalms 137:1-4

 1 Beside the rivers of Babylon, we sat and wept as we thought of Jerusalem.

 2 On the willows there we hung up our harps.

 3 For our captors demanded a song from us. Our tormentors insisted on a joyful hymn: “Sing us one of those songs of Jerusalem!”

 4 How can we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land?

“The most bitter of all sorrows are the sorrows that we bring on ourselves. Truly, we reap what we sow. We are left chapfallen. Laughter and joy have turned to tears. As these sad Hebrews hung up their harps on the willows and could sing no more, we too ‘Hang it up.’”

“This is the bitterest of all, to know that suffering need not have been that it resulted from indiscretion and inconsistency; that it is the harvest of one’s own sowing; that the vulture which feeds on the vitals is a nestling of one’s own rearing. Ah me! This is pain!”

“There is an inevitable nemesis in life. The laws of the heart and home, of the soul and human life, cannot be violated with impunity. Sin may be forgiven; the fire of penalty may be changed into the fire of trial: the love of God may seem nearer and dearer than ever, and yet there is the awful pressure of pain, the trembling heart, the failing of eyes and pining of soul; the harp on the willows; the refusal of the lip to sing the Lord’s song” (F. B. Meyer).

Galatians 6:7-8

 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.

 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.

Hosea 8:7 For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.

For almost 800 years, the Jewish people lived in the land of Israel. They were divided into two groups: the northern ten tribes were called Israel, and the two southern tribes were called Judah. The Scriptures made it clear that they had special privileges.

Deuteronomy 7:6 states, “For you are a holy people, who belong to the LORD your God. Of all the people on earth, the LORD your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.”

Regrettably, the people acquired a sense of invincibility and entitlement. No matter how bad and rebellious they lived, they figured they were always just a little bit better than everybody else. The Father would always protect them. Jerusalem was the city of David, a man after God’s heart. It was the holy city.

On top of that, the Jewish temple was there. The glory of God resided in the temple in the holy of holies. They smugly thought to themselves; indeed, they were safe no matter what.

Yes, they were chosen and held a special place, bound by a unique covenant with the living God. It was akin to signing a contract with the Father Himself. However, this covenant came with clear terms and conditions. The agreement was explicit, and the rules and guidelines were in bold print: if they adhered to the Father’s laws, they would experience blessings. Conversely, disobedience would result in dire consequences. They would be cursed. They accepted the terms and “signed the contract.”

Deuteronomy 26:18-19

 18 The LORD has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands.

 19 And if you do, he will set you high above all the other nations he has made. Then, you will receive praise, honor, and renown. You will be a holy nation to the LORD your God, just as he promised.

For 800 years, the Jewish people experienced periods of prosperity and hardship. Their history was marked by the reign of both righteous and corrupt kings. The people often defied the Father and did not keep His commandments.

Time and again, prophets were sent to deliver warnings. Their messages are recorded in the books of the Old Testament under names like Isaiah, Micah, Joel, Amos, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. Occasionally, the people would repent, albeit briefly. However, most of the time, the people of Israel played the fool and refused to keep their part of the contract.

Finally, in 722 B.C., the ten northern tribes succumbed to the Assyrians and were taken into captivity.

Between 605 and 586 B.C., the Babylonians attacked Judah on three occasions, capturing Jerusalem and exiling thousands of Jews to Babylon. Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed. This marked the fulfillment of the consequences stipulated in their covenant. The Father executed His part when the people failed to live up to their part of the contract they had agreed to. Tragically, the stipulated curses were carried out.

REFLECT & PRAY

A false sense of entitlement often does not work out too well for those who maintain one.

Father, in challenging times, help me look beyond the darkness and despair. Your love never ends, and Your compassion never fails. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness.

INSIGHT

Jeremiah was there when Jerusalem was destroyed, and his heart was filled with immense sorrow and anguish. He felt utterly dejected and deeply depressed. In our own moments of tragedy and seemingly insurmountable challenges, we can relate to Jeremiah’s despair (Lamentations 3:1-20). His world had gone dark. His way was blocked at every turn. He was filled with bitterness, and his prayers seemed to bounce off the ceiling.

“The problem is that many bitter people don’t know they are bitter. Since they are convinced that they are right, they can’t see their own wrong in the mirror. And the longer the root of bitterness grows, the more difficult it is to remove” (Craig Groeschel).

What could possibly be worse? What could be more devastating? Everything Jeremiah held dear was gone, just as his and Ezekiel’s prophecies had foretold. But no one listened.

By faith, in the darkest of times, he had a 180° turnaround.

He remembered that sowing and reaping are a two-way street. His hope was in the Father. He remembered the Father’s loyal love. A new day would dawn. Restoration would come. The sorrow and suffering would last for 70 years, as he himself prophesied (Jeremiah 25:11-12). But then, it would come to an end. A new day would eventually emerge, bringing restoration. His grief transformed into renewed faith and hope.

Lamentations 3:21-25 reflects this transformation.

 21 This I recall to my mind; therefore, I have hope.

 22 The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.

 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

 24 “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.”

 25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.

Jeremiah found his faith and hope rekindled by recalling what the Father was like. Because of the Father’s promises and loyal love, restoration was assured, things would be made right, and joy would return to the people. They would sing again. 

And so can we! Lift your spirits and let the Lord’s song fill your heart once more.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯2-17-2

© Dr. H 2024

Failure to communicate? ∙∙

Failure to communicate? ∙∙

“If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” – Mark 4:23

Mark 4:23-25

 23 “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

 24 Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given – and you will receive even more.”

 25 “To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even their little understanding will be taken away from them.”

“Can you hear me now?” These words became iconic thanks to Paul Marcarelli, who portrayed the “Test Man” in Verizon Wireless commercials from 2002 to 2011. Recognized by Entertainment Weekly as one of the most intriguing individuals of 2002, Marcarelli was known for his gray Verizon jacket and signature horn-rimmed glasses. His role involved consistently verifying the reach of Verizon’s signal to ensure effective communication.

Communication itself is an art form that involves conveying information from a sender to a recipient. It’s successful only when the receiver comprehends the sender’s message. If your audience you are attempting to communicate with does not get it, you have not communicated!

In the context of biblical communication, our primary task is to receive and relay the Father’s message to others. The goal is to share God’s living and active Word in a manner that’s clear and comprehensible. The Father will use His Word to accomplish His purpose.

According to 1 Timothy 1:5, the aim of our teaching is for believers to be filled with love stemming from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.

Hebrews 5:14 Solid food is for the mature, who, because of practice, have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

REFLECT & PRAY

It’s not just possible but necessary for each child of the King to share the Father’s message.

Father, thank You for communicating Your truth so that even I can understand. Teach me to teach others as You have taught me.

INSIGHT

How did the Father communicate truth to mankind? The Holy Spirit facilitated the process. Referring to how the Old Testament Scriptures were written,

Peter writes:

2 Peter 1:21 No prophecy was ever made by an act of human impulse. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

Biblical prophecy did not emerge from mere human desire. The Father communicated through men who “spoke” as the Holy Spirit guided them. The Spirit worked within the Old Testament prophets, allowing them to express the Father’s words through their own personalities, knowledge, backgrounds, vocabulary, and styles.

The same Holy Spirit, responsible for the Scriptures’ inspiration and production, is available to every believer, empowering us to communicate effectively with others. He aids us in study, preparation, and organization and sometimes even provides the exact words we use.

How does this happen?

There isn’t a single formula for this process. The Holy Spirit often energizes our careful effort and preparation, yet our insights and expressions might also be spontaneous and spur-of-the-moment. The Holy Spirit does what is necessary to get the job done.

In the book of Acts, most preaching and teaching were spontaneous and impromptu. There was rarely time to prepare a message in advance. “It was not the performance of an hour but the preparation of a lifetime.” It was the preachers who were prepared, not the sermons (BBC).

How does spiritual communication occur? Through the Filling of the Holy Spirit, the Father enables people. The Holy Spirit empowers, encourages, and energizes us. He often provides the words and subtleties needed for effective communication.

Matthew 10:19-20 Don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking – it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

This empowerment is frequently called the Filling of the Holy Spirit.

Micah 3:8 I am filled with power – With the Spirit of the LORD

Acts 4: 8 Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “ . . .

Acts 13:9-10 Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him and said . . .

Our role is to be cleansed, open, and available conduits for the Holy Spirit to work through. This should ideally reflect our walk and our relationship with Him. We also pray to be free from personal ambition and pride, seeking to cleanse ourselves from known sins. By emptying ourselves, we allow room to be filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit, following Christ’s example.

How did the Father facilitate the communication process?

He created needs or circumstances in people’s lives and then supernaturally provided solutions and comfort. The knowledge shared is His response to these needs, as seen throughout Scripture. The Holy Spirit communicates directly with those who are receptive to His voice. When we teach, He speaks to each person’s heart and mind through us. It is the Spirit of the Father speaking through us, fulfilling the objective and reality of Biblical Communication.

The Scriptures are replete with answers from the Father for the needs of our everyday lives.

The Father understands each soul deeply, knowing how to speak to everyone. He searches our hearts and knows our ways. He knows exactly how to speak to each person. The Holy Spirit always has one-on-one communication with the children of the King, who are attuned to His voice. When we teach, He speaks to each person’s heart and mind. We are merely His conduit. For it is not we who speak, but the Spirit of our Father who speaks in us. (Matthew 10:20).

The Father knows the depths of each individual soul. He searches our hearts and knows our ways. He knows exactly how to speak to each person. This is, in part, why Christ was such an effective communicator. His ability was perceived as keen, penetrating insight, wisdom, authority, and bold confidence.

John 2:25 He Himself knew what was in man.

Matthew 7:29 He was teaching them as one having authority and not as their scribes.

This ability transferred to the apostles who had been with Him.

Acts 4:13 Now, as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.

The same Holy Spirit is with us to empower our teaching and communicate to others.

Understanding Scripture is not an intellectual matter but a spiritual and moral issue. No matter how great the intellect or advanced one’s education, we are inadequate without the Father’s enablement.

1 Corinthians 2:7-8, 14

 7 The wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God – his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began.

 8 But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them, and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.

Matthew 23:23 Do not neglect the more important things.

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© Dr. H 2024