The Unknown Exorcist
By Liaf
No…. this is not another Halloween message. This message is about a passage found in chapter 9 of both the books of Mark and Luke. I find that an interesting "coincidence" in and of itself. It makes me take notice anyway. There was a man casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Let’s read the passage in the book of Luke:
Luke 9:49: And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.
You want to know something? I’ve been plagued lately with the question "Why doesn’t the mainline church teach or at least acknowledge the truth we teach here?" The subject I have in mind is about the eternal Davidic throne and the fate and purpose of the so-called Lost Tribes of Israel. I’ve been asked why this was so important. I’ve even asked that myself many times. I’ll tell you what. With times like these, it is very reassuring to know that Jesus Christ is the Shepherd over us as a nation. And he did not become that Shepherd merely because the population is (or at least was) predominantly Christian. There are many Christians in other nations that understand Jesus is their Shepherd, but they do not apply that nationally as we do. Unless we understand this from the context of the Lost Tribes of Israel, this phenomenon is indeed a mystery. If that is the case (that we are from Israel), then Jesus Christ watched over our predecessors before his actual coming. That’s why we can read passages in the Old Testament about the Shepherd of Israel and directly relate it to Christ in the New Testament. These passages found in the Old Testament sound "New Testamentish" because of this. In addition, the study of the Lost Tribes demonstrate God’s faithfulness, it shows God’s ingenious reason the Gospel was entrusted to these nations, and it helps us to understand end-times and the final, glorious outcome of God’s people. In short, it comforts us and inspires faith and praise knowing that even though we forgot God (and who we were), he still remained faithful to us and protected us in spite of the astronomical odds against us. Now that’s a Shepherd I can trust in.
There may be many reasons why the Church does not accept this. It may be because to do so may sound overly "Earthly" and nationalistic. It may sound racist. Perhaps many people do not even care because they fail to see the critical relevance of the subject in their lives and today’s world. In this case, it is easier to rely on the "experts" of history. These people, in turn, believe what they do oftentimes through a revision of past opinions. Then again, for Church leaders to admit what we are teaching here would require an admission of error and the requirement to change one’s ways or beliefs. Nobody wants to get out of his or her comfortable seat and admit that lest trust would be lost. Therefore, they invest in a very big broom and they have a very big carpet (called denial) to sweep this under. Oftentimes during the sweeping process, sarcastic jokes and remarks are made about the evidence they are sweeping under the rug so as to put a tone of humor and frivolity to the subject of the Lost Tribes. There are many reasons, I’m sure. I cannot understand how anyone seeking truth can do this, however. That is what baffles me.
So I become as that man who cast out demons in Jesus name. Some may then say, "We forbad Liaf, because he followeth not with us". Actually, most people do not forbid me; they just change the subject or hope I will not bring it up. I suppose if I was more forceful instead of my modest ways, they may forbid me. Then comes the Scripture quoting freaks: "There is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism". That’s another way of saying that if I do not agree that I created a second faith or something to that effect. I would not say that. The Apostle Paul likened the body of Christ to a human body. Each part has his purpose or ministry, yet they are one body. I agree to that. How many times a day are you aware that your pancreas is doing its job? Are you always aware that your feet are attached? Maybe you should check once in awhile because one day you may get out of your chair and fall to the floor. You see, it is possible for one part to be oblivious to the other and not serve the other directly. But as a whole, they are all needed. What does the body represent? It represents Christ. One body part does not answer to the other, but to the whole body (Christ). A similar illustration is where Christ is the vine, and we are the branches (apart from him we cannot do anything).
Of course another popular hit is the "authority" issue. God has pastors and shepherds that we must submit to because they operate in His name. In other words, God gave them authority for the exhortation of the Church. If good ol’ Liaf here remains independent, he is transgressing this doctrine. Tell ya what. I believe this. I really do. However, for me to submit to any human authority, they have to demonstrate they know what they are talking about. Why should I submit to a babe in Christ that pokes fun at what we teach here and go from spiritual calculus to spiritual arithmetic? I have an inherent nature that is more than willing to put anyone on a pedestal who is more knowledgeable than I. I can sense such a person. I take it as a clue that God wants me to learn even more from them. I am not jealous of them. But beware. I believe I have every right to separate myself from one who I know has an erroneous or incomplete doctrine. I’ll forgive them. God has a unique ministry for that individual. And my ministry is different, so we remain mutually independent of each other while acknowledging each has a work for the Lord. Those people who flaunt the authority issue are sometimes the same ones who perpetuate this "mentor" theology that has been going around lately. The whole idea is to answer to another who is in turn God’s representative. It’s a "chain of command". For sure, I find it every bit scriptural to answer directly to Christ. And for sure, it is scriptural for Christ to speak to me through another in whom I will submit to as surely if he or she was Christ talking to me. That is the true context of submission. As soon as that same person gets a head-trip however, I remind them that they are nothing in and of themselves. God used them as a speaker that amplified his voice. A speaker needs input from an electrical signal. It does not work itself. It would actually be unscriptural to submit to a head-tripping individual if we know that to be the case.
Let’s go back to the original Scripture and put my name (or your name) in there:
Luke 9:49: And John answered and said, Master, we saw Liaf casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. [Besides, we do not like what he teaches about the Davidic Throne and the Lost Tribes. He does not smile and say, "Gee-yod loves yee-ou." He cannot possibly be one of us---- he is not of ONE FAITH as we are].
What did Jesus say? (And I take comfort in this):
Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
Notice the only criterion for this independence was that this man was not against what Jesus and his followers did. I (Liaf) do not object to your ministry, either. You do what you will. Just do not object to mine or I will question your relationship to Christ and perhaps claim you are a false prophet. One other thing. This exorcist kept a low profile from the other disciples. I at least show up once in awhile to say "hello". Do not put a tether of church membership to me. Rather, call me an Associate Brother in the Faith. This way we are of the same body, the same faith, and we exhort one another. Yet, we all answer individually to Christ.
Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
Romans 14:4