20 May 2010
Psalm 105:1-22; Zech. 4:1-14; Eph..4:17-32; Matt. 9:1-8

The picture of the two lamps in Zechariah is a picture of the outpouring of the Spirit. The lamps are supplied directly from the source rather than by the priests who would replenish the oil in the lamps in the temple. Since Pentecost and the fulfillment of the vision of Joel, Zechariah’s vision has been possible if we would remain connected to the source of the Spirit. The work of remaining connected is the work of abiding in the vine that Jesus spoke of in John 15. Why do we allow ourselves to get disconnected from the source so easily?

Did Jesus simply want to be provocative by declaring the paralytic’s sins forgiven? He was regularly provocative in what He did and said but never simply for the sake of being provocative. Here, it seems likely that the greatest real need this man had was forgiveness of sins. It is quite possible that the paralysis was connected with something he had done. There are many cases of illness that have their roots in a psychological cause rather than a physical one. Dealing with the primary problem makes possible the healing of the secondary problem. The best diagnosticians know to first determine the primary problem and here, it seems, the primary problem was spiritual not physical.

Paul diagnoses that wicked lifestyles are a result of a spiritual problem. The Gentiles are alienated from God and therefore desensitized to His Spirit which leads to licentious behavior. Conscience is one thing, the Holy Spirit in us is quite another. Many things of which our conscience fails to convict us are sinful behaviors which the Spirit must convict us of in order to bring us to true Godliness. Our consciences have also participated in the fall. Paul’s premise is that we were made for and capable of living lives of righteousness but we must do two things, rely on the Holy Spirit and then live in obedience to Him. Righteousness is an active life, not a passive one, it requires our effort. As Dallas Willard has said, “Grace is opposed to earning, not effort.”

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!
Sing to him, sing praises to him;
tell of all his wondrous works!
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!