Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus’ enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath.
Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” Then he turned to his critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn’t answer him.
He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus. (Mark 3:1-6, NLT)
What does your pastor do at church?
Does he put his faith into action and lay hands on the sick, and see God heal them by an evident show of miracle power? Or does he swindle and exploit God’s people by attacking those who follow Jesus in preaching God’s grace and healing the sick? Does he criticize others for preaching a positive message, while he is preaching sickness, guilt, and defeat? But that is not the gospel. A shepherd ought to feed the people with the spiritual food of faith and life. Cynicism and heresy hunting is not spiritual food, especially when he is the one preaching the heresy of unbelief. Why would you continue to support him, unless you are also in unbelief? Don’t make excuses. Choose.
What does your idol theologian do?
Is he more like the Pharisees, or more like Jesus? Does he put on a big show of preaching repentance, humility, and such things, but then tear down people’s faith in God’s promises of healing, victory, and many other good things, so that he may build up his reputation on unbelief? Is he always looking to catch a “charismatic” in saying or doing something wrong? He builds his career on putting down faith. He is like one who plots with unbelievers to murder Jesus Christ. He wants to destroy anyone who does not obey his tradition. Why do you still worship your theologian, unless you also want to kill the Son of God? Don’t make excuses. Choose.
And what do you do?
What kind of person do you want to be? Which path will you choose? Do you want to feed on death like a maggot, thinking that it is bread from heaven, deluding yourself that it is the true gospel, or do you want to feed on faith, and life, and power, and joy unspeakable and full of glory? That’s what Jesus came to bring you. Will you love him for it? Or will you kill him for it? Don’t make excuses. Choose.