Stamp of Approval?
Is it God’s personal stamp of approval when He does signs, wonders and miracles though individuals? It’s important for people to think critically on this one, because it can lead to self-deception if they miss it. Jesus answers the question for us in Matthew 7, which should probably give everyone pause.
Matthew 7: 21-23 Not everyone that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.
It’s interesting to note that many who practice unrighteousness have prophesied, cast out demons, and did wonderful works in the name of Jesus. The Lord did not say these are false, or lying signs and wonders. However, these people were still considered transgressors. In fact, He said in He never knew them, which means they were never intimate with Jesus, which does give us a clue.
1 Corinthians 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of Him.
Not everyone’s motives are altruistic, and that is what makes the difference. It does not mean someone actually loves Jesus, just because he or she operates in His name. Of course, one might ask, how is it possible for someone to do that, and yet be a transgressor? We’ll address that one in a moment.
First, let’s deal with the issue at hand. As always, it is important to keep things in context with the chapter, and of course, the entire Bible. Look at the previous verses in Matthew. In them, Jesus addresses the strait (correct spelling) and narrow way, as well as false prophets. Here’s where He emphasizes the importance of differentiating between types of fruit. These ares are all connected.
Matthew 7:16-20 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
God is more concerned with our ways than our works. Works do not always reveal the true character or nature of the individual. We see it all the time. People have a public persona, but their private lives are a mess. Church history has shown this to be true. By the way, this did not mean the message or miracle was not from God.
Even in more recent times, we’ve seen numerous instances of God using people in mighty ways; only to discover their lifestyles didn’t match the message. Some had the proverbial celebrity status (some still do). Others were lesser known. They were put on pedestals where they did not belong. Unfortunately, many were following personalities, and fell away when their heroes fell. Regardless of what others may or may not do, we need to follow Jesus.
Though it’s not our subject matter, it is noteworthy to say God is moving in such a way where there are no more superstars in the Church. He’s operating in the Body at large, through everyone. Some individuals may stand out to various degrees, but they recognize the importance of always pointing to Jesus.
How is it Possible?
You might be asking, how is it possible for someone to live an ungodly lifestyle, and still be used? The simple answer is the name of Jesus, gifts and His Word work, regardless of the individual. Here’s one biblical example: Caiaphas.
John 11:49-52 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also He should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
Notice it says Caiaphas didn’t speak of himself. It was the anointing associated with the office of High Priest that did the work; not Caiaphas, himself. By the way, anointing means a smearing (of oil), or endowment of the Holy Spirit, by which one is able to do something of which they are called. In short, God-given ability. Grace works the same way, as it’s the unmerited favor of God that enables people to do the things of God they cannot do on their own.
On the surface, Caiaphas might look righteous because he prophesied; however, he also cried, “Crucify Him!” As you might recall, Jesus had a lot of negative things to say about the religious leaders of His time on earth. Many fell woefully short. Another quick example would be Sampson. God used him in mighty ways, even though, he was rebellious (see Judges 13-16).
Here’s a bonus: Read Matthew 10:1-11:1, and you will find Judas went about preaching the Kingdom of Heaven, healing the sick, cleansing the lepers, raising the dead, and casting out demons alongside the other 11 apostles. When Jesus declared one of them would betray Him at the Last Supper, none of the other disciples discerned it would be him, until he was exposed. Outer appearances can be deceiving. Even after ministering alongside the others, it still didn’t end well for him.
Hebrews 2:3-4 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His Own will?
God will always confirm His Word, and that means the gifts, miracles, signs and wonders all point to Him. They are meant to glorify Him; not individuals! In essence, these same things are meant to manifest through disciples of Jesus Christ, who love and walk humbly before Him. It’s important for all of us to consider our ways.
