Reliable Sources and the Usual Suspects: Parallels Now and Then

English Standard Version (©2001)

Matthew 3:9

“And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.”

Luke 19: 33-40

“³³ And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” ³⁴ And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” ³⁵ And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. ³⁶ And as he rode along, they  spread their cloaks on the road. ³⁷ As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives— the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice  for all the mighty works that they had seen, ³⁸ saying,  “Blessed is  the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and  glory in the highest!” ³⁹ And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” ⁴⁰ He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent,  the very stones would cry out.”

In reporting or any other type of investigation, people are concerned about reliable sources and usual suspects. (Usual suspects are people that are often involved in particular activities, usually activities that are contrary to the norms of those that are in positions of power or influence.) These concerns are both important and valid. When we examine the scriptures above, we see the Jewish leadership examining the claims of John the Baptist and Christ — usual suspects — through what they considered to be the most hallowed and reliable sources known to them: the Old Covenant, the Law and Prophets. Their indignation flowed from their interpretations of the three. John, in their eyes, was another suspected false prophet and blasphemer seeking to build a following. They considered him a misguided outsider. How could he question the premise that the sons of Abraham were justified by their blood lineage? But John did question, prod and rebuke, relentlessly and in public.

Coping with impotence levitra india issue is hard to make the disease cured completely. But remember male extra is distinctive and you’ll learn order viagra online how it is exclusive, in this write-up. Also, it is a medicine falling on a costlier side with harmful effects in the long run too; though, cialis samples they can be tackled with followed medical guidance. You can order the medication discretely online to overcome such viagra on line pharmacy inefficiency in him. Jesus employed the same methods. He was never part of the go along, get along, good ol boy system. As he entered Jerusalem shortly before his death, the disciples and crowd praised him – appropriately. The religious establishment was incensed. This confirmed their suspicions of Christ. They raised the issue of rebuking his disciples in the second passage because they felt it was not fitting, nor was it his place. Christ quickly turned the table and spoke of inanimate objects praising him if volitional creatures would not. He knew his own worth, even if those challenging him did not.

So God sent his witnesses to challenge the status quo that was continuing in his name, although unsanctioned by him. Why? God knows Satan and sinful men perverted, distorted and transformed the instruments he authorized for deliverance into instruments of oppression, seclusion and avarice. John and Jesus called for a return to the covenant, law and prophets, a return to the very heart of God. But to darkened minds, they were simply meddlers out of step with their heritage and identity, coveting relationships with the wrong people and giving sinners a sense of purpose that God would never support.

What about today? Are there parallels between now and then? Are our denominations the most reliable sources we have? What about our doctrines, religious leaders? Is yesterday’s manna the most reliable source we have today? Are we relying on successes from the past? We often rely on the things God has given us as Moses did on his staff. Remember, in a moment of anger he struck the rock and was prohibited from entering the promised land. Are the usual suspects those that seem to be out of step with current, conventional practices?  Are the meddlers here to tell us something?  God always sends his usual suspects. He raises up people who will make us uncomfortable and challenge our reliable sources, until we rely solely on him. They have a different motivation and their affections are not based on the things of this life.

Lord please raise up such people. May we be numbered among them. In Christ name we pray. Amen.