Subscription Lists
Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
We are studying in Luke Chapter 11 and at verse 13 we read of Jesus Christ saying to His disciples - how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.
This is one of the greatest gifts any man or woman can receive - the gift of the Holy Spirit. To receive that anointing - to receive that holy power - to receive the Holy Spirit as Jesus received when He came up out of the Jordan River is a most precious experience. If only the leaders of the nations would seek this anointing – what a different world this could be.
When we ask and seek and knock -and go on doing so – go on asking – go on seeking – go on knocking - that is the meaning of these words - the Father is willing that we have exactly the same equipping as Jesus had. That is what Jesus is teaching us here, as He sets out for Jerusalem.
When we look at or consider - gifts - miracles - healing - prophecy and prophesying - speaking in tongues and interpretation - it is a consequence of this. This was all first experienced at Pentecost and we have previously studied the details of that occasion recorded in Acts Chapter 2 by the same medical doctor who has written this authentic Gospel.
As we move on into verse 14, it is very interesting that we read of spiritual warfare. Right away - in the next verse - we read of conflict.
When the Father gives the Holy Spirit, we can become more aware of spiritual conflict, and involved in spiritual conflict. This was the experience of Jesus. This was the experience of each of His disciples.
Jesus is casting out a demon - a bad spirit - that had made a man dumb. Not only was this man unable to carry on a conversation, but he would not be able to express gratitude and praise in worship, nor would he be able to pray out loud.
These matters are important - the way we pray - the way we sing - remember we are appearing in the presence of the King - Jesus Christ.
The way we sing and praise reveals a lot - about our love for Jesus - about our commitment to Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ casts out this evil spirit. The man is set free. He is able to speak.
And then, some people accuse Jesus of committing the unforgivable sin. These critics said Jesus was casting out evil spirits by using the power of the devil. They were saying that Jesus got His power from Beelzebub - the king of demons - lord of the flies - insects.
Some of these people were so frantic to discredit Christ and His Word and His Ministry that they were saying that Jesus was in league with the devil. (Matthew 12 and verse 24 tells us it was the Pharisees who said this.)
This time - these people just went too far. At times to criticise can be very very dangerous, especially if the negative comments are levelled at what God is doing.
Be careful as to the words which flow from your mouth. They reveal what is in our hearts and one day we will be answerable for every careless word we have spoken. There will be no use saying – O I did not mean to say that – I did not intend to be so negative and critical. That is why it is in the Word of God and that is why each of us needs to know what is in the Word of God.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Word from Scotland" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.