Matthew chapter 12 verse 43

Mt.12:43 "When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through parched places in search of a resting-place, and finds none." (New World Trans., Reference Ed., 1984)

(Cross ref: Luke11:24)

Over the years I've learned there are logical steps to take when trying to understand a confusing passage in scripture:

1. Read the context
2. Search for parallel accounts
3. Search for similar concepts (key words  used in the passage or their synonyms.)
4. In the case of things Jesus is quoted as saying, remember he always spoke in illustrations (Matthew 13:34)

There is not much exegesis provided on this very thought-provoking passage. This is interesting because Jesus seems to reveal things that are not common knowledge amongst humans. Consider:

Why would a demon feel compelled to "possess" a human in the first place?

Why would a demon consider leaving that dwelling?

When it does leave, Jesus says it passes "through parched places." Other translations render this as "arid places" (NIV, 2011), "the desert" (New Living Trans., 2007), "waterless places" (English Stand Vers., 2001), "dry places" (KJV, Cambridge ed.). Since this is a spirit creature we are talking about here, it is unlikely that it is affected by the planet's atmospheric conditions, nor would that be in keeping with the context of what Jesus was saying.

Another interesting picture-phrase is that the demon goes in search of a "resting place." All of the other 20 translations I checked use the same root word, "rest," to convey their thought. "Seeking rest" was predominant  This begs the question, "In what way do demons "seek rest"?

In cases such as this verse, where Jesus did not go into an explanation, we have to take the weight of scripture, in whole, to draw a safe conclusion, without trying to put words in Jesus' mouth nor jump to unsubstantiated conclusions.

So first, let's try to find any clues in the surrounding verses. In Matthew's account, the passage is preceded by Jesus condemning the religious leaders, and the general (doubting) populous, as being wicked and children of vipers. In response, the Pharisees essentially ask proof why they should listen to Jesus. Jesus responds that they will get a sign. It will be a whale of sign (excuse the pun, but it is applicable). It will be huge--Jesus will be resurrected from the dead. This will be so indisputable, that even the Ninevites (who repented with Jonah's message) would condemn the Jewish religious leaders for their refusal to accept Jesus.

In the parallel account at Luke 11:24, the preceding verses show that Jesus healed a man of demon-possession. The religious leaders accuse Jesus of performing this act by the power of Satan himself. Jesus reasons just how ridiculous a conclusion that is.

In both contextual considerations, there really is not much to draw a definitive answer to the latter two questions, "what are the parched places?" and "what is meant by the demon searching for a resting place?" There is one possible allusion to parched places in that Jesus calls the religious leaders "vipers," which are typically associated with dry, arid, parched places.

Well, how about searching for other passages in the Bible where the word parched or it's synonyms were used? One such passage is at Isaiah 5:13, which in part reads: "Therefore my people will have to go into exile for lack of knowledge; and their glory will be famished men, and their crowd will be parched with thirst."

Yet another passage is at Jeremiah 17:5-8. " This is what Jehovah has said: “Cursed is the able-bodied man who puts his trust in earthling man and actually makes flesh his arm, and whose heart turns away from Jehovah himself. And he will certainly become like a solitary tree in the desert plain and will not see when good comes; but he must reside in parched places in the wilderness, in a salt country that is not inhabited." Jeremiah then continues by contrasting that to someone who is loyal to God: "Blessed is the able-bodied man who puts his trust in Jehovah, and whose confidence Jehovah has become. And he will certainly become like a tree planted by the waters, that sends out its roots right by the watercourse; and he will not see when heat comes, but his foliage will actually prove to be luxuriant. And in the year of drought he will not become anxious, nor will he leave off from producing fruit."

In Isaiah 13:21 the term "waterless regions" is used to describe an area once bustling with human activity but now, there are Jackals and "big snakes." In Isaiah 25, verses 1-6, it is mentioned how Jehovah restores his loyal followers to peace and prosperity, contrasting the oppression they faced before. Once again, the "waterless country" is contrasted to the prosperity (physical and spiritual) when God forgives and restores. This theme is reiterated again in chapter 41, verses 17-20.

Finally, in the letter of Jude, verse 12, he speaks of self-important men who have become "waterless clouds." Bringing all these verses together, it is indeed safe to conclude that the parched, arid and waterless places that the demons pass through are the realms of human activity that are devoid of real spirituality, including pseudo-Christians. These are the ones that Paul identified as "having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power." (2 Tim.3:5) These are subjected to viper-like poison that quickly arrests the spiritual life of gullible ones.

But what of the "resting places" that demons seek? Again, the area they pass through is arid and waterless. These ones are not attempting to find a resting place in the well-watered places that are abundant with true spiritual power. In other words, specifically at the time Jesus spoke those words, he was referring to those that followed the beliefs of the religious leaders at that time and were influenced by their waterless teachings. Yes, it is much easier for the demons to find a resting place in those who have no real relationship with God. These have stopped using their ability to reason. These have stopped using their conscience. The demons know they can rest inside such people because they won't put up any battle (mental, ethical or otherwise).

On a individual/personal level, to the extend that we keep ourselves spiritually strong, the demons cannot break through that wall. They do, however, look for whatever arid places may exist in each one of us. Whatever weaknesses (due to Adamic imperfection), whatever doubts we have, whatever challenges to our loyalty to God and Christ, those "parched" places are where they try to find an inn. It is with increased appreciation then, that we read of Paul's admonition to be prepared as a warrior for the spiritual onslaught. (Ephesians  6:14-19)

The above was the only extent to which I intended to consider the passage but i did leave unanswered the first two questions. First, why do demons possess humans in the first place? I cannot cover ever possible reason here nor do I claim to know every reason. However, one primary reason is that we knowingly or unwittingly invite them. How? By engaging in spiritistic practices that are the known realm of demons. These include the use of tarot cards, Ouija boards, and other such practices. 

Why would a demon consider leaving such a place? Over the years I've helped several people to understand the Bible. In essence, they begin to "clean house" in a spiritual way. As they continue to make Christian living an active part of their lives, they remove from their lives the influences that are promoted by Satan and his demons; the immoral & unscriptural lifestyles. Although the demons may attempt various forms of resistance and put obstacles in the way, eventually they are obliged to leave. One might think that such an individual is "home free." But not necessarily so. In verse 45, Jesus indicates that the demon goes for reinforcements. How could this happen?

Consider when a person starts to exercise (physically). It soon becomes evident that no single exercise will benefit the whole body. Certain things are good for muscles, others for cardiovascular, etc. Some realize that specific exercises target their tummies are required to get rid of "the flab" in the middle. The same goes with our relationship with our Creator. Prayer, Christian fellowship, preaching the word, improving our moral fiber, increasing our knowledge and more are all needed to get into top spiritual shape. And if we don't maintain that regiment of exercise, all the benefits of exercising can be lost. It has been noted that those who stop physically exercising gain back all the weight AND more. In like manner, we might have conquered one bad habit but if we don't continue to progress spiritually, we could end up worse than when we started.

 In Matthew chapter 13, Jesus spoke of the seed that was scattered into various soil conditions. Those falling among the rocky and thorny places made some progress but were soon either scorched or strangled. Similarly, there are those who after a relatively short time, either because of peer pressure  or daily struggles, do not keep their relationship with God in good standing and well-nourished. (See 1 Timothy 4:6). The warning to all those wanting to serve God is to keep active in Christian activity and sincere in loyalty.

Drawing it all up into a final conclusion: "Subject yourselves, therefore, to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from YOU. Draw close to God, and he will draw close to YOU. Cleanse YOUR hands, YOU sinners, and purify YOUR hearts, YOU indecisive ones." James 4:7,8

Addendum July 2013:
One point I left uncovered was why the demon does not find a resting place even in those who are a spiritual desert. Quite honestly, I don't know.

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Resurrection Hope -- Real Comfort For The Grieving

I believe in the resurrection. Not the one that my former Catholic religion taught. Not the one that many people in most Protestant religions believe in. I believe in the one that Bible quite clearly relates. At least four specific instances are related of people who died and were brought back to life—on earth. Perhaps one of the most notable is the one where Jesus resurrected his friend Lazarus. The details of that account make it plain that Lazarus was dead for about four days. His relatives thought the situation was hopeless and commented that Lazarus’ body was surely already decaying (they mentioned the stench of the dead body). Yet Jesus brought Lazarus back to life. He was whole in body and sound in mind.

During a conversation Jesus had with one of Lazarus’ sisters, prior to Jesus performing the resurrection, she mentioned that she knew that the then existing scriptures (the Hebrew writings) taught that there would be a resurrection back to human life. (No concept of life in another form or another world or another dimension was even alluded to in the scriptures the Jews (Israelites, Hebrews) used in that day.) In agreement with this belief and in confirmation of it, Jesus brought her brother back to life on earth. The difference in the resurrection to come is that death will be completely eliminated. There is not going to be some endless cycle of resurrection and death. (Revelation 21:4)

Having this conviction, I am actually offended to read on the web various teachings that try to make death a friend and not the enemy the Bible says it is. – 1 Corinthians 15:26 In reading some of those sites, they attempt to “comfort” mourners with what amounts to nothing but philosophical human lies. So what comfort can be extended to someone who believes what the Bible says about death and resurrection?

I have actually had several friends who have lost family and friends to death. I myself have lost several loved ones, which is what prompted me to reflect on what would have truly comforted me. I came up with the following:

Remember The Hope: When we trust that Jehovah keeps his servants in mind and never forgets, even passed their death and over the void of time, we can be encouraged that our dead loved-one is not gone and forgotten for all time. Even if our memory starts to fade, God's does not fade and when that person is resurrected, we will readily recognize them.

Write Your Memories: When you lose a loved one in death, sit down and write a list of what you appreciated about that person--be specific, write as many details as you can remember, all your fond memories.  Put that list in your wallet, taking it out and reviewing it from time to time. Over time you may find that you are adding even more to the list.

On occasions when you decide to review that list, do so while in prayer to Jehovah and thanks to him for those memories and wonderful traits your loved one had. Express to God how much you appreciate the ransom of his dear son, Jesus, paid in sacrificing his life so that we can even have a hope of seeing our loved ones alive again. Tell Jehovah you are looking forward to seeing that person because of everything you've written in your notes. In that way, like Jehovah, you are keeping the positive and encouraging memory of that loved one alive.

Write Events: Another positive action you can take is to keep a log of all the things that happened after your loved one died. These are things that you want to tell that person after they are resurrected.  True, you may not actually ever review that with the resurrected one, but the point is you are keeping the positive memory alive and taking positive action to make the memory a good thing instead of falling into despair and bottomless (negative) sorrow.

The benefit that both of these writing exercises is that instead of feeling helpless and that there is "nothing you can do," now you feel you are doing something that will eventually work to a happy reunion. It also keeps us motivated to be loyal to God so we can be in the new world when our loved one is resurrected.

Accept Your Grieving Process, It Is Normal: Finally, remember that there is nothing wrong with grieving. Sadness over a loss is very normal and natural. There will even be times when reviewing the notes mentioned above, that you will probably break down and cry. But even in those saddest of times, always remember that our enemy, death, will be done away with. In the meantime, allow yourself to grieve and motivate yourself to turn it into a positive memory.

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Personal Reflection on Colossians 2:14

I was interested in understanding the word picture(s) of Colossians 2:14, particularly the term “blotted out” (as used in the King James and New World Translation – amongst others). Those that translated it differently use the words “cancel” or “wipe off” or “erase.” Another synonym I found in a Bible study reference used the term “rub out.”

I found this fascinating because the eraser we use today is relatively a new invention. So I hypothesized (as it turns out, wrongly) perhaps the “blotting” was by taking whatever the “ink” was that was used and making a big blot on top of the word or phrase to be removed so that it was illegible. But, as can be seen by the notes below, it really was a removal of the previous writing. Maybe not as effectual as erasers are in removing pencil marks today, but still enough that the idea of removal was there.

(There are articles available that indicate the passage can refer to something be crossed (or lined) out. Yet the underlying text would still be visible and that definitely is not what Paul intended.)

But that is not the end of the matter. Now I have a clearer understanding of the intent of the phrase Paul used, now I appreciate even more so the lesson Paul was teaching. It made me reflect on (Isaiah 1:18) “Come, now, YOU people, and let us set matters straight between us,” says Jehovah. “Though the sins of YOU people should prove to be as scarlet, they will be made white just like snow; though they should be red like crimson cloth, they will become even like wool.” Yes, it will be as if there was never any stain there to begin with. With such a deep love as that is the way Jehovah God desires to deal with us. BUT we must want to do what is right. Verses 19 & 20 continue: If YOU people show willingness and do listen, the good of the land YOU will eat. 20 But if YOU people refuse and are actually rebellious, with a sword YOU will be eaten up; for the very mouth of Jehovah has spoken [it].”

Clarke's Commentary on Colossians 2:14

Blotting out the hand-writing is probably an allusion to Numbers 5:23, where the curses written in the book, in the case of the woman suspected of adultery, are directed to be blotted out with the bitter waters. And there can be little doubt of a farther allusion, viz., to the custom of discharging the writing from parchment by the application of such a fluid as the muriatic acid, which immediately dissolves those ferruginous calces which constitute the blackening principle of most inks. But the East India inks, being formed only of simple black, such as burnt ivory, or cork, and gum water, may be wiped clean off from the surface of the paper or parchment by the application of a wet sponge, so as to leave not one legible vestige remaining: this I have often proved.

The expression ‘get blotted out’ comes from a Greek verb that means “wipe out, erase.” The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology explains: “The image expressed by the verb here and perhaps elsewhere is most probably smoothing the surface of a wax writing-tablet for re-use.”

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Two 2013 Concept Phones from Samsung

Watch video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAh_dcH4Aas

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201-inch Outdoor LED TV

As if there weren't already enough over-the-top big TV screens for the rich to waste their money on, how about a 201-inch (16.75 feet!) outdoor TV that retracts into a waterproof underground vault when not in use? Never mind that its reported price is $300,000! (I think I'd rather buy a yacht  But then, maybe they already have a yacht. LOL)

http://www.cseed.tv/features/display.html

The only benefit I see for the typical consumer from this is that the screen actually folds up before retracting. If smartphone makers can incorporate that into their phone design, we might start to once again move away from the behemoth phones (five inches and over) that are currently being released. But then I think the scroll solution is much better and has more potential.

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Power From Human Hair

How about solar panels of human hair? Read it here: http://inhabitat.com/nepalese-teen-invents-cheap-solar-panel-using-human-hair/

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Brain Controlled Helicopter

Puzzlebox Orbit, a Kickstarter funded project, is now retailing a remote control helicopter typical of the size kids play with. The controller?  Your brain! See video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_145429&feature=iv&src_vid=x0e6q400-ig&v=2J55KHpgDVM

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