Category: earthly kingdom / Millennial Reign of Christ

Palsy #6

Thursday, October 19, 2023

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What exactly is “palsy?” Why does the Bible feature it?

Jesus’ healing miracles were intended to validate, authenticate, or substantiate the Gospel of the Kingdom He was preaching: “Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert” (Isaiah 35:4-6). See how this compares to Matthew 11:1-6 and Luke 7:18-23.

In the case of paralytics—such as Matthew 9:6 (cf. Mark 2:10,11; Luke 5:24)—Christ was proving He could restore Israel to spiritual mobility by correcting (forgiving) their sin problem. Though disabled, by His power they would (and will) walk in His statutes under the New Covenant, serving as His earthly people throughout the endless ages to come (Ezekiel 11:19,20; Ezekiel 36:26,27). In Matthew 9:6 (cf. Mark 2:10,11; Luke 5:24), Jesus’ title is “the Son of man,” which not only underscores His humanity but also His earthly authority. He has the right to reign in the Earth for God’s glory (what Adam failed to do in Genesis chapter 3!).

Observe Daniel 7:13,14: “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”

Yet, during His earthly ministry, Israel doubted Jesus really was whom He claimed to be….

Palsy #4

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What exactly is “palsy?” Why does the Bible feature it?

“Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2). “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee” (Mark 2:5). “Man, thy sins are forgiven thee” (Luke 5:20). This healing of the paralytic is performed in conjunction with the forgiveness of sins of a certain “son” or a “man.” Who does this cured person represent?

If we are Bible students, this title “son” should remind us of verses such as Exodus 4:22,23: “And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.” Also, Hosea 11:1: “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.” Israel is God’s son-nation in the Earth. As a son works with his father in the family business, so Israel was to accomplish God’s will in the Earth.

Alas, like all descendants of Adam, the Israelites had a sin problem—a sin problem that spiritually incapacitated them. Sin is a spiritual disease: it disables the spiritual body just like physical disease immobilizes the physical body. How can they possibly serve Him in the Earth? This is the lesson to be learned with the healing of the paralytics in the Bible. If Israel is to function as God’s kingdom of priests in the Earth, He must address their spiritual infirmity. Like the man afflicted with physical palsy, they are spiritually bedridden, for spiritual palsy has stricken them! They can do nothing for Him, and they are just as powerless to do anything for themselves.

Like Pharaoh kept Israel in bondage, so sin enslaves them. In both cases, the LORD must intervene to liberate them. Christ healing the man sick of the palsy (paralytic) represents God’s restoring Israel to service (spiritual mobility)….

Palsy #3

Monday, October 16, 2023

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What exactly is “palsy?” Why does the Bible feature it?

Let us recall how the name “palsy” is actually an altered form of the word “paralysis.” Whereas modern English speakers rarely use “palsy” alone, it is still found in the titles of medical conditions such as “Bell’s palsy” (facial paralysis) and “cerebral palsy” (paralysis due to an abnormal or damaged brain). These are examples of muscle weakness disrupting or preventing mobility and/or movement.

Going back to Matthew 9:1-8: “[1] And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. [2] And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. [3] And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. [4] And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? [5] For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? [6] But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. [7] And he arose, and departed to his house. [8] But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.”

Also recorded in Mark 2:1-12 (additional details) and Luke 5:17-26 (even more details), Christ Jesus’ healing of this bedridden paralytic is connected to a “son” or a “man” whose sins are forgiven. “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2). “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee” (Mark 2:5). “Man, thy sins are forgiven thee” (Luke 5:20). Herein is the key to unlocking the riddle of palsy in Scripture….

Palsy #2

Sunday, October 15, 2023

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What exactly is “palsy?” Why does the Bible feature it?

Let us read today’s Scripture in its context: “[17] From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand…. [23] And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. [24] And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.”

Another verse helpful in this regard is Luke 8:1: “And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,….” The Lord’s earthly ministry involved the preaching of a kingdom, God’s kingdom—the Gospel (“Good News”) of the Kingdom. In addition to a verbal message or a proclamation of words (“the kingdom of heaven is at hand;” Matthew 4:17), there was a physical or visual confirmation of the message. If God’s kingdom were really near—“at hand,” or within Israel’s grasp—there would be not just words but sights to see and sounds to hear.

“For the Jews require a sign” (1 Corinthians 1:22). What could signify, or serve as a sign, to Israel’s people that their long-promised Messiah or Saviour had come to reign and fulfill the Davidic Covenant of 2 Samuel 7:12-17 and Isaiah 9:6,7? How could Jesus “shew” (cause to be seen, demonstrate) the Glad Tidings (Good News or Gospel) of the Kingdom? What credentials could He offer to validate His identity and work? Why, His miracle-working would serve this purpose, and His curing of palsy would impart Father God’s revelation to Israel….

The Last State is Worse Than the First #10

Thursday, October 12, 2023

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26 KJV).

Who is this man? Why is his last state worse than his first?

Recall Isaiah 49:24-26, how the LORD will serve as Israel’s Saviour and Redeemer. Also, remember Jeremiah 31:11, the LORD redeeming and ransoming Israel from “the hand of him that was stronger than he.” This looks to Jesus’ Second Coming. With Israel freed from Satan, sin, and even oppressive Gentile armies and governments, the nation can be filled with God’s life.

For example, consider how Israel’s sin debt will be cleared when the New Covenant, based on Christ’s shed blood, is ratified (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:8-13; Hebrews 10:1-22). One blessing of the New Covenant is Father God filling the redeemed Jewish people—His kingdom of priests (see 1 Peter 2:9,10; Revelation 1:5,6; Revelation 5:9,10)—with the indwelling Holy Spirit. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God” (Ezekiel 36:26-28). “And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD” (Ezekiel 37:14).

Israel’s believing remnant (trusting Jesus as Messiah) serves in the Promised Land, becoming God’s channel of salvation and blessing to the world (see Isaiah 59:20–60:3; Zechariah 8:20-23; Matthew 28:18-20). In that day, God Himself will have solved Israel’s devil problem!

The Last State is Worse Than the First #9

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26 KJV).

Who is this man? Why is his last state worse than his first?

In the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3), the focus is on God’s work to make a “great nation” of childless Abraham. When Abraham was old and well beyond the age of fathering a child—not to mention his wife, Sarah, too advanced in years to be a biological mother—the LORD performed a miracle and enabled them to have a son, Isaac (Genesis 17:1-7,15-21; Genesis 21:1-5). This was despite the fact Abraham and Sarah had schemed to use a surrogate, Sarah’s slave girl Hagar, to carry another child of Abraham (Ishmael) more than a decade earlier (Genesis 16:1-16). Abraham had to learn the nation Israel would be the product of grace (God’s gift/miracle), not law (Abraham’s performance/work). Note it well: the LORD does not accept substitutes!!

When the LORD God offered Israel the Mosaic Covenant—the Law—the Israelites recently freed from Egyptian bondage agreed to enter works-religion (more slavery!). Deceived, they believed they could perform to produce the nation God wanted (Exodus 19:3-6). They boasted, “All that the LORD hath spoken we will do” (verse 8). Nevertheless, they did not do everything God commanded, which led to Satan and his angels possessing and corrupting them (see today’s Scripture). The Law proved, once and for all, they could not make themselves God’s nation in the Earth. As it was true with Isaac (God’s work, not man’s), so it was true with the nation descending from Isaac (God’s work, not man’s).

After Jesus Christ comes back to reign in the Earth, Israel will be purged of Satan’s pollutions and then filled with God’s life, finally becoming that channel of salvation and blessing to the Gentiles as the LORD intended with Abraham so long ago….

The Last State is Worse Than the First #8

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26 KJV).

Who is this man? Why is his last state worse than his first?

According to the heresy known as Postmillennialism, our preaching the Gospel will bring God’s earthly kingdom to pass. World conditions will improve to the point where Jesus will leave Heaven to come reign on Earth. On the contrary, the Bible indicates society will worsen as our planet moves closer to Christ’s return. Moreover, Israel’s own spiritual circumstances will deteriorate, to such an unfathomable extent that the only hope is the Lord’s literal, physical coming to make all things right (this correct view is Premillennialism).

In Revelation 19:11-21, we read of the Lord Jesus’ Second Coming and the Battle of Armageddon. Satan and his troops—including the Antichrist—have gathered against Israel, but they are defeated and a great slaughter results as Christ and His angelic hosts fight! The Antichrist (political leader) and the False Prophet (religious leader) are thrown alive into the Lake of Fire (verse 20). Chapter 20 opens: “[1] And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. [2] And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, [3] And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.”

With the Antichrist in the Lake of Fire, and Satan removed from Earth and bound for 1,000 years in the Bottomless Pit, Israel can be cleansed to become God’s kingdom of priests….

The Last State is Worse Than the First #3

Thursday, October 5, 2023

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26 KJV).

Who is this man? Why is his last state worse than his first?

Satan certainly did not know everything, but he could study the Old Testament and listen to Father God’s messengers (angels, John the Baptist, the Lord Jesus, the 12 Apostles) to gather that Christ’s earthly ministry was connected to the founding of God’s earthly kingdom. For example, Luke 1:31-33: “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

If God has a holy people working His will in the Earth (Israel), Satan’s plans thus cannot come to pass! What better strategy could Satan employ to prevent God’s earthly kingdom from arising, than render the Jewish people unclean by sending his evil spirits to possess them? Thus, in Matthew through John, there is a sharp increase in devil possession. Satan is opposing the institution of God’s earthly kingdom, Israel’s political revival, the reinstatement of David’s throne.

One major feature of Christ’s earthly ministry is exorcisms. His purpose in working this miracle is revealed in two verses. “But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you” (Matthew 12:28). “But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you” (Luke 11:20—the context of today’s Scripture). When Messiah came, He would indeed “cause… the unclean spirit to pass out of the land [of Israel]” (Zechariah 13:2). Yet, Israel was not ready for Messiah….

Saints, please remember this work of the ministry requires monthly financial support to operate (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Those who prefer electronic giving can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Anyone who wishes to donate by regular mail can visit https://333wordsofgrace.org/contact-us-mailing-address-for-donations/ for details. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! Unfortunately, since our ministry audience is so large and our ministry staff is so small, I can no longer personally respond to everyone. Thanks so much for understanding in this regard. 🙂

Know Right Division

Saturday, September 30, 2023

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

Dear friend, would you like to know right division?

It truly is a sad state of affairs when most people who possess a Bible have no idea how to use it. They appeal to “scholars” and manmade systems for light, but often receive nothing but further darkness because the blind lead the blind (see Matthew 15:12-14). If we have even the slightest hope of extracting the spiritual profit God the Holy Spirit placed in His inspired and preserved words, we must pay attention to His words instead of the words of man’s “wisdom” (1 Corinthians 2:10-16).

The key to understanding and enjoying the Bible is 2 Timothy 2:15. We are not told to merely study Scripture, but rightly divide it. The Apostle Paul explains how he rightly divided the Word of Truth in Ephesians chapter 2. “Time past” (verses 11,12) is the period on the Bible timeline when God dealt with mankind on the basis of circumcision (Israel, Jews) and uncircumcision (nations, Gentiles). This is Genesis all the way into early Acts. “But now (verses 13-18) is Paul’s ministry (Acts chapter 9 onward, including Romans through Philemon), when God does not distinguish between Jew and Gentile because He has broken down this “middle wall of partition.” In “the ages to come” (verses 6,7), we the Church the Body of Christ will rule and reign in the heavenly places.

It is not enough to divide truth from error, or Old Testament from New Testament, or Israel from “the church,” or Judaism from Christianity. We must rightly divide Israel from the Church the Body of Christ, Peter from Paul, law from grace, Earth from Heaven, prophecy from mystery. Prophecy, what God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began (Acts 3:21) cannot be the same as mystery, what God kept secret since the world began but has now revealed through Paul’s ministry (Romans 16:25,26). If we do not recognize these dispensational distinctions, then we will stumble over Bible “contradictions” and have no idea where we are on the Bible timeline or what God’s will for us even is. Right division will grow us up!

God’s Profaned Name #10

Thursday, August 17, 2023

“And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes” (Ezekiel 36:23 KJV).

How was God’s great name “profaned among the heathen?” In what way will He “sanctify” it?

Today’s Scripture is definitely part of the prophetic program. It involves God’s purpose and plan for Israel and the Earth. The Holy Spirit comments on how the nation Israel in time past abandoned the identity that their Creator gave them. They were not reflections of the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Despite their infidelity, He, in the ages to come, will be faithful in bringing to pass His original promise to them. They are to be His vessels to reach the Gentiles when the Lord Jesus Christ comes back to reign.

What about us, the Church the Body of Christ? Can we profane God’s name? Yes, we can. If we are not careful to walk in our identity in Christ, as described in Romans to Philemon, we can misrepresent Him as Israel did long ago. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17).

If what we say and do is incompatible with all that the Lord Jesus would say and do (His “name”), then non-Christians will see and hear conflicting information. Our misconduct will become the scoffer’s principle: “I am not a Christian and never want to be a Christian because ‘Christians’ lead a worse life than I do as a non-Christian.” It will be similar to ancient Israel’s detractors: “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written” (Romans 2:24). “If that nonsense is what it means to be a worshipper of JEHOVAH God, we will keep our idols and die as heathen!”

As we (the Body of Christ) seek to avoid Israel’s disasters, we bear in mind passages such as Philippians 1:9-11 and Philippians 2:13-16. “And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful” (Titus 3:14).