In Native-American or First Nations cosmology, the “coyote” is usually the cosmic ‘trickster’ and storyteller who tries to complicate man’s search for understanding the Creator’s Plan and his purpose in it. In the Judeo-Christian Bible however, Satan is no mere impish troublemaker, but rather a supernatural being depicted as a Serpent or Dragon, who is deadly serious in his mission to cause as many humans as he possibly can to lose their souls in eternal damnation. One of the more effective ways to accomplish his monstrous plan is through, believe-it-or-not, religious devotion. As the LORD God desires worship, so does Satan, as mentioned in Matthew 4: 8-9, below:
Again, the devil took Him [Jesus] up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.
But it is even more insidious than that because Satan does not approach anyone directly but rather, through his religious proxies or pseudo clergy.
2 Corinthians 11: 13-15
For such are false prophets, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
NOTE: The Hebrew word “nachash” which is translated as ‘Serpent’ in Genesis 3: 1 has an interesting metaphysical interpretation, which is, “shining one.”
Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary
Deceive/Mislead/Delude/Beguile
syn- Deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief [practice??] that causes ignorance or bewilderment, etc. Mislead implies a leading astray that may not be intentional. Delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth. Beguile stresses the use of charm or persuasion [charismatic oratory??] in deceiving.
2 Timothy 3: 13
But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
COMMENTARY: So how can a believer or unbeliever know for sure if a person is sent from God and has the Holy Spirit [Ha Ruach Kodesh], and performing miraculous works, especially when claiming to heal someone? The Apostle Paul [Rav Shaul] wrote in 1 Corinthians 4: 19-20:
But I will come to you shortly, if the LORD wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is “NOT” in word but in [the] POWER.
2 Timothy 3: 5b
Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away.
Oftentimes, when an appeal to come down to the altar for some application of olive [“holy”] oil, laying on of hands and prayer does not result in an immediate manifestation of restoration of health, either it is ignored altogether or explained away as a ‘lack’ of faith on the petitioner’s part. Even when it comes to invoking the power of the Holy Spirit to perform a miracle, requests made in the “Name of Jesus” are spoken over and over and over again; as if God will respond based solely upon the sheer number of times that this sort of spiritual mantra or formula is invoked. Actually, it is a lot simpler than that as attested by the Apostles Peter and Paul (Cp. Acts 3: 1-7; 16: 16-18). Also, consider the words of Jesus [Yeshua] in Matthew 6: 7-8a:
And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them.
The thing is, this aspect of the ministry is still authenticated by the presence of the Holy Spirit, according to 1 Corinthians 12: 1, 4, 7, 9, and 11 in the following:
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all; to another faith in the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healings by the same Spirit. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He [Ha Ruach Kodesh] chooses.
This also means that the Bishop, Pastor, Apostle, Minister or Evangelist may not necessarily be the one to who is empowered with the ‘gifts of healings’ but it could be given to some unnoticed or unrecognized brother or sister who rarely, if ever, stand out among the congregation.
Micah 3: 11a
Her priests teach for pay, and her prophets divine for money.
The admonition of John is quite appropriate in this instance, as found in 1 John 4: 1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce ST. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 28, 2010
Robertrandle51@yahoo.com
