Last week we began a new teaching series around the supernatural. We discussed the idea that Jesus' presence and works 2000 years ago represent an orderly working of the world many don’t recognise nor do they understand, so they call the events - supernatural. But are they?
One magician exposed who has made it his life’s work to expose what he calls, “fake ghosts,” and has been able to do so in hundreds of cases. In fact, he claims that he has never failed once to prove that there is no such thing as ghosts. Houdini, the great magician, once said, “Never encountered a phenomenon I could not duplicate.”
However there are some cases of what is called, “Visible evidence of forces outside the material state.” One investigator, speaking on behalf of a committee of investigators in the realm of psychic phenomena, stated, “After most painstaking tests, I must admit these manifestations are genuine demonstrations of supernatural power, which have not been induced by suggestions, hypnotism or fraud.” They announced, “The laboratory has demonstrated the existence of intelligence outside the physical realm.”
If I don’t understand why you do or don’t act, is it supernatural or is it just another aspect of life that I don’t understand? For example, I don’t understand how images get broken up and sent through the air to end up on my tablet. Does that make it supernatural?
Supernatural by definition is: (a manifestation or event) attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature.
Science generates solutions for everyday life and helps us to answer the great mysteries of the universe. ... It has a specific role, as well as a variety of functions for the benefit of our society including better relations between people, improving education, increasing the quality and even quantity of our lives while on earth.
However, just because science can not define or systemize an event doesn’t change it or its significance in the world in which we live.
The scriptures share hundreds of stories science has yet to fully explain.
Take for example the story from 1 Samuel we heard earlier. One of the greatest Ghost stories in the Bible comes in 1 Samuel 28:3-25. Saul is near the end of his reign as king. He has turned from God and misses his prophetic voice in Samuel, so he goes to a medium and sees a ghost of Samuel.
Take a listen:
7 Saul then said to his attendants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.” “There is one in Endor,” they said.
8 So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. “Consult a spirit for me,” he said, “and bring up for me the one I name.” 9 But the woman said to him, “Surely you know what Saul has done. He has cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land. Why have you set a trap for my life to bring about my death?”
10 Saul swore to her by the Lord, “As surely as the Lord lives, you will not be punished for this.”
11 Then the woman asked, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” “Bring up Samuel,” he said. 12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!” 13 The king said to her, “Don’t be afraid. What do you see?”
The woman said, “I see a ghostly figure[a] coming up out of the earth.” 14 “What does he look like?” he asked. “An old man wearing a robe is coming up,” she said. Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground.
15 Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” “I am in great distress,” Saul said. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has departed from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.” 16 Samuel said, “Why do you consult me, now that the Lord has departed from you and become your enemy? 17 The Lord has done what he predicted through me. The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. 18 Because you did not obey the Lord or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the Lord has done this to you today. 19 The Lord will deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The Lord will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.”
20 Immediately Saul fell full length on the ground, filled with fear because of Samuel’s words. His strength was gone, for he had eaten nothing all that day and all that night. 21 When the woman came to Saul and saw that he was greatly shaken, she said, “Look, your servant has obeyed you. I took my life in my hands and did what you told me to do. 22 Now please listen to your servant and let me give you some food so you may eat and have the strength to go on your way.”
23 He refused and said, “I will not eat.” But his men joined the woman in urging him, and he listened to them. He got up from the ground and sat on the couch. 24 The woman had a fattened calf at the house, which she butchered at once. She took some flour, kneaded it and baked bread without yeast. 25 Then she set it before Saul and his men, and they ate. That same night they got up and left.
Three quick notes:
There are people with the gift/curse to talk to the dead. Many are con artists. Many use this gift for their own benefit. The people are not possessed or demons. They are carrying a very large burden of when to share and when to watch events unfold. The temptation for many is to want to know the future or visit the past. In so doing, we are demonstrating a distrust in the Lord. It is wrong to inquire of them for your benefit in the here and now.
If a medium enters your path, it's okay to acknowledge these people because in doing so, we acknowledge the supernatural exist. God is reminding you of its presence. Do not ask for guidance. As in all things, love them.
Never to bow down to them. Never take them more seriously than any other person in your life. They are only human. In search of meaning and love.
The greater point I am trying to make is as Christians, we know there is an alternate reality beyond our physical realm. A point made even clearer right after Jesus death.
The Matthew 27 verses which we also heard earlier (scriptures read before musical worship) and hear every Good Friday are proof.
How do dead people rise and show themselves to people? It wouldn't surprise me if this is the origin of Casper the friendly Ghost.
How does the earth shake so much the curtain in a temple gets torn at the exact moment of Jesus death?
Sure, science can explain geographic fault lines and primitive building architecture. However, it struggles with the meaning of multiple events without first admitting there is a supernatural force overseeing all aspects of life.
There are over 70 supernatural events surrounding Jesus’ ministry life. There were witnesses and they were recorded. The truth is God was showing us an alternate reality. A reality many scientists still have trouble explaining. And I say this, not in condemnation of science, but in recognition of God. His knowledge and power to create, Jesus’ to redeem and The Holy Spirits’ to sustain are almost unfathomable for even some of the brightest people on earth.
So now, I am sure some are asking - So what/how do we apply this belief in the supernatural into our own lives? Are we supposed to run around chanting and telling people about the supernatural?
No, but maybe we ought to access the supernatural in our daily affairs. After all, take a listen to these for statements Jesus made.
I call these the “I am” directions from Jesus… in others words, if Jesus defined his life shouldn’t we try to do likewise:
John 12:49-50
49 For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”
In todays’ common language, “I am God’s spokesperson on earth.” When applied to our lives, if Jesus didn’t direct us to speak up, it might be best not to.
John 17:8
8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.
In today's’ common language, “I am God’s messenger.” When applied to our lives, we are to be messengers in the places we live, work and play. We go with His supernatural power.
John 14:10
10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.
In todays’ common language, “I am connected to God and so everything I do is because of this relationship.” When applied to our lives, for those who have committed their lives to Jesus, we are to always be humble servants. Our good deeds are always because of our supernatural relationship with Him.
John 8:17
17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true.
In todays’ common language, “I am who I say I am and the proof is in the results.” When applied to our lives, our lives are never to be seen as a series of disconnected events. We are to continually remember we are not judged by singular failures or success but the whole of our existence. The most supernatural testimony to one’s life may happen at their funeral. Not in the number of people who attend but in the number of lives transformed due your Christian presence in their lives.
Jesus' witness is still growing from the original 12 to over 2 billion today. What will others remember about you when you’re physically gone? Will you be remembered as a person who accessed the Holy Spirit and acted in faith or a person who ran under their own power and always played it safe?
