Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

In the last two issues of this paper, I have been reviewing the concept that Jesus did not have inherent power to work miracles. In the first two articles, I examined the passages sometimes cited to prove that Jesus did not have inherent power to show that, rather than affirming that Jesus did not have inherent power to work miracles, they show the oneness of the Godhead. In this last article of this series, I want to examine one miracle which shows that Jesus had omnipotence, omniscience, and holiness while he was on earth. All three of these can be seen from one of his many miracles  the miraculous draught of fish when Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James and John to be his disciples. Here is the text:

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, and saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, 0 Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him (Lk. 5:1-11).

The miracle occurred while Jesus was preaching beside the Sea of Galilee. The crowd was so great that he needed a pulpit. Jesus requested that Peter allow him to use his boat as a pulpit. Peter quickly agreed to Jesus’ request since this was not his first acquaintance with Jesus (he was one of those introduced to Jesus by John the Baptist [Jn. 1:40-41], and Jesus had previously healed Peter’s mother-in-law [Lk. 4:38-39]).

Jesus’ Omniscience

After completing his preaching, Jesus instructed Peter to move his boat into the deep water and cast down his nets. There were two things uncommon about Jesus’ instructions: (a) The usual time for fishing was night (note the four had worked all night, 5:5) and (b) it was the wrong place (usually the nets would have been cast into shallow water). What did the son of the carpenter from Galilee know about fishing? Nevertheless, Peter responded, “Master… at thy word I will let down the net” (5:5).

How did Jesus know where were the fish in the Sea of Galilee? His way of knowing where were the fish in the Sea of Galilee was not natural, i.e. that he was a superior fisherman. He knew where they were because he was the omniscient God! On another occasion he knew exactly where a fish would be that contained a coin in its mouth and instructed Peter to catch that fish and pay their taxes with the coin (Matt. 17:27). He knew where individuals would be and what they would be doing at this or that particular moment in time (Mk. 14:13; Jn. 1:48-49). He knew the thoughts and hearts of men (Lk. 5:22; In. 2:25). Peter truly was correct when he said about Jesus, ‘Lord, thou knowest all things” (Jn. 21:17). Indeed, Jesus retained his omniscience while he was on earth.

Jesus’ Omnipotence

Not only was Jesus omniscient, he was also omnipotent. This is displayed in this miracle by his directing the fish into the net of Peter. He who created the fish of the sea directed them into the nets of Peter. He who had the power to calm the winds and waves, turn five loaves and two fish into enough food to feed a multitude, and walk on water, also manifested his omnipotent power by controlling the fish in the Sea of Galilee on this occasion.

Jesus’ Holiness

When Peter saw the miracle which Jesus performed, he reacted as men generally act in the presence of God. He said, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man” (Lk. 5:8). Peter is not said to have been more sinful than any of the other apostles. Instead, he recognized that he was in the presence of God. He reacted to being in the presence of God the same as did Isaiah when he was given the vision of the throne of God. Isaiah said, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts” (Isa. 6:5). He reacted like Manoah (Judg. 13:20) and John (Rev. 1:17). Man generally thought that he could not see the face of God and live (Exod. 33:20 and cross references). Not only did Peter recognize the holiness of Christ while on earth, so also did the demons. They referred to him as the “Holy One” (Mk. 1:24; Lk. 4:34; remember that “the Holy One of Israel” was a favorite expression of Isaiah to refer to God).

Nevertheless, some are saying that Jesus laid aside his holiness when he became a man. What proof could one give to show that Jesus laid aside his holiness? The only way that I can think of to show that Jesus laid aside his holiness when he became a man would be to cite an example of sin in his life. This would certainly prove that he was not holy. Will those who deny that Jesus retained his holiness while on earth join the enemies of Christ in citing examples of his “sin”? Of course not! This brethren respect the word of God too much to affirm that there was ever sin in Jesus’ life. In the absence of sin, which all admit never occurred, then Jesus was always holy! He never gave up his absolute holiness!

Conclusion

This simple record of the miraculous draught of fish, a miracle with which we have been familiar since childhood, is enough to show that Jesus retained his omniscience, omnipotence, and holiness while on earth.

We may not understand how Jesus could be truly God and truly man while on earth, even as we cannot under-stand how any miracle is performed, but we can believe and teach what the Bible says. Let us emphasize those passages which show the unity of the Godhead and let us emphasize those passages which affirm that Jesus retained his divine attributes while on earth. May God bless our study of the nature of the incarnate God, Jesus Christ.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 15, p. 2
August 5, 1993

By Al Sandlin

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men” (Prov. 22:29). “Mean men” in this passage are obscure men; men of no significance in wisdom and power. This passage teaches us that there are many fringe benefits in exercising diligence in one’s business.

The first benefit that comes to mind is that a command of God has been kept. Ecclessiastes 9:10 says, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Then we find in Romans 12:11, “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” Paul said in Colossians 3:23-24, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Even our business or secular occupation is encircled by Christianity. The more diligent we are in our secular work, the more pleasing we are unto him who provides our daily bread.

King Solomon observed the “industriousness” of Jeroboam and thus appointed him as a ruler. 1 Kings 11:28 says, “Now the man Jeroboam was a valiant warrior, and when Solomon saw that the young man was industrious, he appointed him over all the forced labor of the house of Joseph.” Whether we are business owners or in the employ of a business, it is our obligation to be diligent because we are, after all, working for the Lord (Col. 3:24). Those who are in power in a city, county, state, or nation look at the performance record of a prospect before filling an important position. When a person of proven ability is found, then he/she “will stand before kings.”

The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 demonstrates the pleasure of God in those who are diligent with that which has been entrusted to them. The two servants who exercised diligence had this said to them in verses 21 and 23, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou halt been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Jesus spoke this parable concerning the kingdom of heaven of which Christians are a part. Our King is looking at those who are hard working, industrious, assiduous Christians for one purpose — to make them rulers over many things. Does it strike you as odd that God wants to use people who are busy to give them even more responsibilities? That’s the kind of people he needs as rulers in his church upon the earth (elders) and rulers in the home (fathers and mothers). Throughout the Bible God rewarded diligence for things that are right and good. At the judgment those who have been diligent in secular work and in the kingdom will be rewarded.

Another benefit of diligence in business is that personal, self-satisfaction that one has when he has done his best. Proverbs 10:4 says, “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” One who would provide well for his family must indeed be a person of diligence. Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, “Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward. Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God. For he will not consider the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart.” As diligent servants in the kingdom of heaven, God would have us to rejoice with a sense of fulfillment in that which we accomplish here “under the sun.” A key ingredient in that contentment, however, is to be ever thankful to God for his blessings which enable us to discharge our responsibilities. Notice that Solomon was careful to give God the credit in the above cited passage. “This is the gift of God,” he said. Diligence is rewarded by God here and hereafter. “There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen, that it is from the hand of God” (Eccl. 2:24).

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 15, p. 6-7
August 5, 1993

By Kevin Autry

On December 11 1968 an unwanted child was delivered in a hospitals Florida,,, The child. was quickly placed into the hands of social workers who then gave him to an adoption agency: A young, married couple who were unable to leave children of their “own adopted the child.” This was just #or years before abortion became legal.

On August 27, 1973 another unwanted child was born. Roe vs Wade had made abortion legal in 1973, but the mother had the child anyway. This child was also given to an adoption agency. She to was adopted.

I was the first child and my sister was the second. Maybe our biological mother was some scared teenager who made a mistake one night. Maybe she was a career woman who felt we might be inadvertent for her. Nonetheless, she made a decision to let her unwanted children live.

I deeply resent those who would deny my right to exist. Despite the fact that my natural, mother did not want live. I shall have a right to live. I also serve a purpose in this world. Without me, my parents would have no son and my sister world have no brother.

Other lives have been touched by me as well. A two old girl drowning in a pool would have died if I had not been walking by. A young man in Memphis might have carried out his threat to commit suicide if I had not been there to talk him out of it.

It is not my purpose to be boastful. I am attempting to show haw an `unwanted’ child has made a different in the world.

Figures by the Alan Guttmacher Instituite show that there were 1.6 million abortions in the United States in 1990 alone. Of all the pregnancies in 1990, 24.6 percent ended in abortion. Since Roe vs. Wade 28 million unborn children have died.

How many o these children could of made a difference? How many couples unable to have children of their own might have had their dream come true. How many of these children might have been President, or congressmen’ or judges? How many might have been famous writers or artists? World class musicians? Men of peace like King or Ghandi? Might one of them have become a doctor wh’o discovered cure of aids or cancer?

This mass genocide. of unborn children must stop, President Clinton’s removal of abortion restrictions and his support of the Freedom of Choice Act must be opposed. Lives depend an it.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 15, p. 7
August 5, 1993

By Kenneth D. Sits

A few weeks ago, the number one ladies tennis player of the world, Monica Seles, was stabbed while playing in a tennis tournament in Germany. During a break between games, an unknown man ran out on to the court and stabbed her between the shoulder blades. This criminal was wrestled to the ground while Monica moaned in the center of the court at the net. Fortunately, Miss Seles will physically recover from her stab wound.

Why was Monica Seles stabbed? Has she been involved in some outrageous crime worthy of death? No! Has she been on the fringe end of some political or religious group, making people violent from controversial viewpoints? No! Monica is quite reserved, seemingly as harmless as a fly. The man who stabbed her told the media why he did it. He stabbed Miss Seles because he wanted Steffi Graf, the number two ladies tennis player of the world from Germany, to once again be the number one player. Can you believe that! This man was willing to kill Miss Seles for Miss Graf to be number one again. He was willing to kill in order to have what he wanted. I am sure that every superstar in modern athletics has been checking his back-side since this incident has occurred.

Friends, these kinds of incidents continue to escalate around the world. Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:1-4, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (NKJV). When men turn their backs on God’s inspired Word and determine to live only for themselves, society deteriorates to the level of “every man out for himself.” When immorality runs unchecked, when standards are ignored, when “kill or be killed” is the motto of the day, death and destruction will always be the catastrophic result.

I have heard several people say, “Why has God given man all those laws? He must be a mean God, ordering people around like that!” Why you ask? To protect us from ourselves. Moses told the Israelites in Deuteronomy 6:24, “And the Lord commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is this day.” When man hates God and his laws of righteousness and morality, he often turns into a brutal, selfish, uncontrolled maniac who will have his way, regardless of who or what is standing in his way. What else could possibly explain the infamous L.A. riots last year? Over 50 people lost their lives because total selfishness and ungodliness was on parade.

When you consider that listing in 2 Timothy 3:1-4, you can find a lot of people who fit those wicked character descriptions. You don’t have to look very long to find many who live only to please their passions and pleasures. They have lost respect for authorities figures and reject the Bible as God’s word. Even within some churches of Christ, strife, contention and worldliness have become the order of the day. Paul told Timothy to turn away from such people (v. 5). The church of Christ must stand up against those who are filled with themselves, serving only them-selves. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 16:24, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me.” If people would follow after the King, society wouldn’t have to carry guns for self protection. It wouldn’t have prisons filled with rebellious, evil people. It wouldn’t have Monica Seles with a knife wound in her back.

That evening, most of the sportscasters that I saw seemed visibly shaken and unsettled by this incident. Steffi Graf went and saw Monica Seles in the hospital, obviously an emotional wreck over what happened. Many shake their heads and wonder what this world is coming to. Jesus has been trying to tell us for almost 2000 years. Isn’t it time that all of us take his words of heavenly wisdom to heart? Now is the time to examine ourselves in light of the wickedness revealed by Paul in 2 Timothy 3. How do we compare? It’s not too late to change with Jesus’ help.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 15, p. 11-12
August 5, 1993