A few years ago an ad featured a man performing surgery. As he gave closing instructions to the attending staff it was discovered that he wasn’t really a surgeon at all. The man replied, I know, but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night. The commercial ends with the tag line, It won’t make you smarter. But you’ll feel smarter.

Not everyone who claims authority can back it up. I tend to distrust those who push themselves forward, at least until I see some evidence for their self-proclaimed expertise. As Jesus burst upon the scene people held similar views.

When teaching in Capernaum, a crowd sat amazed at his authoritative nature. Then a deeply troubled man entered the room, and the demon within him cried out, Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God (even the demons knew him and shuddered).

After sending the demon to the abyss, the people in attendance marveled at Jesus. What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!

Notice the listeners did not comment on Jesus’s demeanor or delivery or looks or entertainment value. No comments on style or clothes. Instead, dominance rumbled through the synagogue. A simple rebuke tore a demon from a human soul. What is this word?

The teachings of Jesus still carry authority. You and I can access them today. Read the Gospels and ponder his words. Listen to them through your headphones. Better yet, say them out loud. Jesus spoke and the demon fled. Give attention to the words of Jesus and see what demons slip from your life.

Luke 4:31-37

Photo by Jon Tyson

The Bible says a lot about angels, but a visit from one remained a rare occurrence.

An angel appeared to a priest named Zechariah, who initially cowered in fear (angels always create fear in those who see them). But Gabriel brought good news, Prayers answered, his barren wife would have a son. Zechariah’s response? How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years. The angel rolled his eyes. I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. Then, as a lesson regarding incredulity, the angel struck Zechariah mute until the baby arrived.

Gabriel then visited a young woman named Mary. In response to her alarm the angel replied, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.

Mary also responded with a question, How will this be, since I am a virgin? But rather than skepticism, Mary asked in wonder. She was worldly enough to know how babies are made, but innocent enough to believe the Holy Spirit could place a child in her womb. She reflected on Gabriel’s closing words—nothing will be impossible with God.

I relate way more to Zechariah. What! No way! Impossible! These are my usual reactions to an act that seemingly comes from God. But after a period of thought I come around. Perhaps that’s why the angel muted Zechariah. Hold your tongue and think on it, and you might see the hand of God at work.

On the other hand, Mary listened, took in the message, and basked in God’s attention. Allowed her voice, she wrote the Magnificat, a song of praise which begins, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

Now that’s the way to respond to an angel.

Luke 1

Painting: Henry Ossawa Tanner, “The Annunciation,” 1898

Sometimes the words of the Bible sound like they were written down this morning. The Scriptures urge those of us who claim to follow Jesus to pay attention to whom we paid attention do:

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Does this not sound like an apt warning for today? Around us swirls philosophies and deceits vying for our attention. Human tradition continually loops us back to ourselves. I’m told that fulfillment is found when I’m on the throne of my life, when I pursue happiness, when I prioritize me time. Jesus becomes a concierge bringing the next drink.

The elemental spirits of this world pull me away from the teachings and behaviors of Jesus. Although subtle, it doesn’t take much scrolling to find myself engrossed in mindsets less pleasing to God and more enchanting to my flawed self.

The church to whom Paul wrote these lines struggled with disingenuous teachers leading members away from Christ. The struggle continues. I must constantly watch the sources of my information and guard my mind against falsehoods. The elemental spirits of this world hope to colonize my mind for abominable purposes.

Paul shares the antidote: Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

We deal with fraudulent philosophies by studying the truth found in Jesus. Returning to his teachings again and again reveals the standard by which to judge all other notions. Walk with him, sink roots and build a life on Jesus.

That’s not captivity, but the way of freedom.

Colossians 2:6-8

Photo by Jon Tyson

I keep reminders because I forget things. I depend on my to-do list, keeping it updated on my phone, syncing it with my computer, and knocking off items completed. I sit stuff I want to take somewhere right where I’ll trip over it. I always keep my keys in the pocket of my coat when I leave the house, so that I don’t lose my keys and I also don’t forget my coat. As you can see, absent-mindedness is part of my constitution.

The Lord instructed the people of Israel to attach tassels to the corners of their garments to look at and remember all the commandments of the Lord, to do them, not to follow after your own heart and your own eyes, which you are inclined to whore after. So you shall remember and do all my commandments, and be holy to your God.

God wanted his people to turn away from base desires. Like us, their appetites led them to do anything in order to get some particular thing. Hearts and eyes lead us astray, unless our hearts and eyes focus on the Lord.

Years later the Apostle Paul encouraged his flock to set your minds on the things above, not on things that are on the earth.

I’m reliant on reminders to move my eyes above my station. While I don’t attach tassels to my garments, I do keep prompts close at hand. The Bible I spend time in each morning sits in a place I see it when I get up. My calendar reserves a slot for reading and reflection. I hang meaningful pictures on my wall. All to help me remember to set my mind on things above.

I encourage you to do the same. Tie a string around your finger or set an alarm. Stick post-it notes on your bathroom mirror. Attach spiritual tassels to your life and develop a rich relationship with our amazing God.

Numbers 15:37-40; Colossians 3:2

Photo by Jannet Serhan