Text: Matthew 17:14-21

14 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, 15 Lord, have mercy on my son:  for he is a lunatic, and sore vexed:  for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.   16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.   17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you?  how long shall I suffer you?  bring him hither to me.   18 And Jesus rebuked the devil;  and he departed out of him:  and the child was cured from that very hour.   19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?  20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief:  for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place;  and it shall remove;  and nothing shall be impossible unto you.   21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.  

Sunday 3^rd November 2024

MIRACLES AND MAGIC Similarities

Text: Matthew 17:14-21

Memory verse: Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Miracles and Magic are two concepts that arose out of man’s urgent need. That is, both came into being as a result of man’s attempt to conquer his physical environment, diseases, enemies and natural phenomena. Furthermore, ritual is a common element in both magic and miracle. Using of blood is a common element in the scripture. It shows that, the blood at the lintels at the Israelites houses while in Egypt, with the blood they escaped disaster. With the blood, believers in Christ obtain salvation for their soul. The power of the mark of the either animals or human blood cannot be undervalued.

Another similarity in the two concepts is that there is a dynamic force backing them. Each event is brought about by the action of a powerful force without which none of the event could take place. Satan, spirits, divinities and demons are held and seen to be the active agents whose powers, invoked magics. But, the mighty hand of the supreme God is seen behind miracles and also attested to, by the Holy Scripture. The spiritual state of each of the two concept opens us to another similarity in the events.

However, faith is required for any to manifest, that the man of God has an unwavering belief that God can do what he requests. So, he remains unshaken in all challenges. Despite all odds, in the case of Daniel and the three Hebrews, they believe God and hold faithfully to Him. The magician too, having met all requirement, has a strong belief in their source of power. In connection with the similar ‘faith’ exhibited in miracle and magic the act of command is also another element which applies in the two concepts. The act and event is brought about at the commands, prayers and fast of each agent.

CGDS HYMN 2; SS&S 621:

I GAVE MY LIFE FOR THEE

1. I gave My life for thee ;
My precious blood I shed,
That thou might'st ransomed be,
And quickened from the dead.
I gave My life for thee :
What hast thou given for Me ?

2. I spent long years for thee
In weariness and woe,
That an eternity
Of joy thou mightest know.
I spent long years for thee :
Hast thou spent one for Me ?

3. My Father's home of light,
My rainbow-circled throne,
I left for earthly night,
For wanderings sad and lone.
I left it all for thee :
Hast thou left aught for Me ?

4. I suffered much for thee----
More than thy tongue can tell,
Of bitterest agony----
To rescue thee from hell.
I suffered much for thee :
What canst thou bear for Me ?

5. “And I have brought to thee,
Down from My home above.
Salvation full and free,
My pardon and My love.
Great gifts I brought to thee :
What hast thou brought to Me ?”

6. Oh, let thy life be given,
Thy years for Him be spent ;
World-fetters all be riven,
And joy with suffering blent.
Bring thou thy worthless all :
Follow thy Saviour's call.

  Prayers 

1.  Lord Jesus, I declare that I will not be distracted by magic operators and sorcerers.

2.  LORD God Almighty, back up every healing and health in me with the precious blood of the Lamb in Jesus’ name. Amen.    

3.  Pray for others in this regard.