4 September 2013 - more than a brand

4 September 2013 - more than a brand

And demons also came out from many, shouting, “You are the Son of God.”
But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak
because they knew that he was the Christ.

The demons know that Jesus is the Christ.  The believe it and they tremble (cf. Jam. 2:19).  Yet we are surprised to hear that their proclamation of that fact must be silenced.  They aren't proclaiming this because it is true.  They are demons after all.  They are shouting it precisely so that in the midst of all of the consolation and enthusiasm it may be misunderstood.  They want to subvert this most important of truths to other ends.

Jesus is unwilling to let his fame spread as a consequence of crowd mentality.  He wants to reach each person individually.  He is not just a brand name that heals.  Being the Son of God means much more than to just be a healer.  He is God from God.  He isn't ultimately just repairing this reality.  He is recreating it.

Rather than hearing the hype and hysteria we need to focus on the word of truth.

Of this you have already heard 
through the word of truth, the Gospel, that has come to you.

It isn't that this word excludes healings and mighty deeds.  Rather, it empowers them.  But it does this precisely by being personal.  This word is relational.  It brings a relationship, of course.  But it is also shared within relationships.

as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow slave,
who is a trustworthy minister of Christ on your behalf
and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

Note the relationship between Epaphras and the Colossians.  He brings them the word of truth within the context of a relationship with them where he can also talk about their "love in the Spirit."

Having heard the word of truth we are thankful.  But it isn't an inward thankfulness.  It is a thankfulness that engenders trust and the proclamation of God's name.

I will thank you always for what you have done,
and proclaim the goodness of your name
before your faithful ones.

This word does not and cannot stop with us.

But he said to them, “To the other towns also
I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God,
because for this purpose I have been sent.”

He is sent to bring the love of God to all mankind.  Let us not be afraid when he goes out to the other towns.  Let us trust in God's mercy forever!