But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.
Job 16:5 (NIV)
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Jesus Has Moved by Cathy Vinson |
When the kingdom of God has been revealed in a place, Jesus teaches us that an accountability remains. We dare not handle it recklessly. After an exorcism right in their midst, Jesus explained to His hearers that they might rail against Him and be forgiven, but railing or reviling against (blaspheme) the revealed work of the Holy Spirit would never be forgiven (see Mt 12: 32,33). Vine explains, "anyone, with the evidence of the Lord's power before his eyes, should declare it to be Satanic, exhibited a condition of heart beyond Divine illumination and therefore hopeless...As to the Son of Man, in His state of humiliation, there might be misunderstanding, but not so with the Holy Spirit's power demonstrated." The act of God before the religious rulers' eyes had brought their attribution to Beezlebub, while it had in truth been done "by the Spirit of God" (vs 28). The Kingdom of God had come upon them, and they had spoken quickly to their great misfortune. Jesus also warned His generation by the illustration of the exorcized man, who remained "empty, swept, and in order" (Mt 12:44). Seven more evil spirits would end up invading the man, and his last state would be worse than the first (vs 45). How does a generation fortify itself after such an anointed One and manifestation of the Kingdom has occurred? Being empty provides no fortification, leaving oneself open. This graphic word (schole-school) portrays a vacant lecture hall, now unoccupied, free, at leisure, with time and opportunity for anything. It has the opposite sense of being given to. It is the same word in I Corinthians 7:5 where a husband and wife, without a season of intercourse, would be free, at leisure, unoccupied to "pray and fast." Are we such a generation and as individuals? Have we seen the acts of God's Spirit? Has the Kingdom been revealed to us? We must take this, as our Lord said, with accountability. May we rightly discern what the Holy Spirit is doing, perhaps "being amazed or marvelling" (Acts 2:7), but not with "mocking" (vs 13). Let us also not take leisure when God has revealed His Kingdom, but stay occupied, "ferverent in spirit, serving the Lord." |
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the Kingdom of God has come upon you" (Matthew 12:28)
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