“Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.”~ 1 Tim. 5:23
It is not my intention to debate whether this is grape juice or fermented wine. Actually, I lean towards the latter. There is no need to warn of a "little grape juice." What I do want to discuss is the transition in Paul’s ministry. I fully realize some have gone to the extreme, leaving us with only his last epistles for our doctrine and conduct. But, on the other hand, not to recognize any change at all, one ends up with a shipwrecked faith. Because they do not see a reproduction of sign gifts as found in Acts, they become disillusioned.
Paul did not use his apostolic powers to heal his young protégé, nor did he tell him to pray and claim healing. No, he simply encouraged him to use the means God put at his disposal to remedy the problem. Read kindred passages such as: Phil. 2:25-27,30; and 2 Tim.4:20. Apostolic healing is noticeably missing in Paul's latter ministry: although God can if He so wills!
Like Naaman of old, some of us like for God to do something supernatural and spectacular on our behalf rather than use the natural means He has provided. The former makes one look spiritual in the eyes of the brethren; the latter simply makes us come across as just another member of the human race. In writing about her missionary husband Jonathan, Rosalind Goforth mentions in her book "Goforth of China," how he had a problem for a time accepting this truth. The important thing is for God to get the glory, by means or by miracle. Jesus, the Great Physician, said if your sick you need a physician!
Jesus’ humanity is a precious thing. Make sure you don’t lose yours while trying to be spiritual. (rds)
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