The year was 1966. A strange Hindu mystic (yogi) by the name of Rao (not to be confused with the villain in Superman, although…) had gained a little prominence in his native land. That happens when you claim to eat glass, bite a head off a viper, and swallow acid. He performed other feats of magic (tricks) and was soon invited to the U.S. by a promoter. After he realized he was in over his head, he went back to India. He soon began to say (brag/bluster take your pick) that he could walk on water.
For $100 a ticket he would prove it and a set date. On the day of his demonstration over 600 people-believers and curiosity-seekers- attended. The demonstration was held in a large garden with a deep pool. The white-bearded yogi appeared in flowing robes and stepped confidently to the edge of the pool. He prayed silently. He opened his eyes, looked heavenward, stepped over the edge, and sunk like a rock. After sputtering to the surface and struggling to get out of the pool, he pointed his finger and angrily said, “One of you is an unbeliever!”
We laugh. We roll our eyes at the asinine attempt to mimic Jesus. We also chuckle and shake our heads at the gullibility of people.
But the truth is that people have been trying to copy Jesus for years. They have been trying to do what Jesus did hundreds, maybe thousands of years. No one can compare to Jesus. He showed that in His life. He showed that in His death. He showed that in His resurrection. He ultimately will show it in His coming. Men have tried to mimic His healing. They have claimed to be able to raise the dead (check out the story of Olive Heiligenthal). Jesus never staged anything. He never searched for someone to fake an injury in order for them to be “healed.” There is only one Jesus. There is only One miracle-worker.
Don’t waste your time or life following a man (or woman) who makes wild claims. A huckster. They are just cheap knock-offs of the real thing. Follow Jesus. He is the only Real Deal.
Jesus . . . only Jesus . . .
Blessings, Bill!
Can i say a big AMEN to that?
I understand the point you are making. There will be counterfeits amongst us.
One can’t stop at perceived miracles and charismatic speakers. Another deceiver will come and depending on the timing which I won’t get into (pre-trib, mid-trib, mid-wrath, post-trib)… We should know that the #1 counterfeiter will at some point make his appearance.
How can we tell a counterfeiter from the real-deal, Jesus. We need to KNOW the truth and insure that what is said, what is portrayed, what is done… lines up with the word of God… After all Jesus IS the word, Jesus won’t contradict himself.
That said, as a Christ follower, my job is to try to live a life that emulates (copies) Jesus as much as I can. I fail more often than I succeed, but that should be my target… Living a life that looks like Jesus.
Have a great week, Bill!
You make a great point Ryan. I didn’t mention the future one coming. (I almost typed conning. Ha. That would have fit.) We do need to know the Word, the truth to be able to combat the error. Living a life that looks like Jesus…Hmmmm. What a task! What an adventure!
I thank God that even during the times that I fail, I KNOW who the REAL Jesus is! He’s the one that saves my soul in times of despair and never asks for anything in return!
I, too, am thankful for His faithfulness even when I stumble and fall.
It’s amazing what some people will believe or will actually go to watch. If they would have instead read the bible and ask God, help me to see the truth in Your Word, show me that I can trust You. God would, if you really seek Him, He will help you believe and change your life. God will not deny someone honestly seeking Him, He loves us to much.
I’m with you on this Gail. He will never turn someone away who is honestly seeking Him.
How true! It is so absurd when we hear of someone trying something like this, but false prophets and phonies still continue to try to deceive and convince those who have no spiritual discernment. I’m glad our dear Lord reserves some things to Himself! God bless you, Pastor Bill!
Very true Cheryl. Unbelievable what people will fall for.