Diecast And Toy New Arrivals 05-25-12 from Toy Wonders

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Lu Su
Toy Wonders, Inc.
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Lu Su

God and the Art of Toy and Diecast Marketing
Finding God From the Dark Side (part 4)
By Lu Su

We have reached a particular point in our journey where we are looking at incidences of Jesus interacting with the dark side. The Scriptures is written from a point of view that God exists and that these evil spirits (demons) exist. Some people do not believe in God. But most people do believe in evil. So let's look at evil and see if you can find God in all of this.

One thing is for certain. You can learn much about a person just by observing the way a person reacts in certain situations and talks with other people (or in this case evil spirits). We are looking at five specific incidences in the Bible where Jesus removes an evil spirit from a person. Let's re-read about the incident and after each, I've listed my observations.

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Jesus Heals the Mute -Matthew 9:32-34

While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”

But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”

In this particular incident, demon-possession caused the man hosting the spirit(s) to become mute;
Unless you are Steve Martin and involved in some scheme to swindle a person out of money, most men would not willing give up their ability to speak; therefore it is most likely the spirit(s) inhabiting this man entered by force, was unwelcomed, and the man was unable to expel the spirit(s) on his own.
"Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel" is probably a true statement. There are only a handful of historical documents that record events before that period. The Bible records events in Israel that occurred from its inception as a nation. Although many miracles were performed through Moses and through many prophets of God, none that I know of was to make a mute man speak.
700 years before Jesus is born, the prophet Isaiah writes these words. Of all the prophets in the Scriptures, Isaiah was one of the most prolific and poetic:

The desert and the parched land will be glad;
    the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom;
    it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,
    the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the Lord,
    the splendor of our God.

Strengthen the feeble hands,
    steady the knees that give way;
say to those with fearful hearts,
    “Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
    he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
    he will come to save you.”

Then will the eyes of the blind be opened
    and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
Then will the lame leap like a deer,
    and the mute tongue shout for joy.

-Isaiah 35: 1 -6

"It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons" was the explanation the Pharisees gave people in explaining how Jesus was able to drive out demons.
The Pharisees were the keepers, interpreters, and teachers of the laws given by God to Moses; they were the religious leaders of the day; Many were not fans of Jesus. But their explanation acknowledged 1) they believed in demons, 2) demon possession was possible, 3) in this particular case they thought the man was demon possessed, and 4) something supernatural occurred when Jesus made unwanted the spirit leave.

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Jesus and Beelzebul -Matthew 12:22-28

Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.”

Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

The demonic spirit(s) in this particular case caused the host body to become both blind and mute.
Prior to Jesus' arrival, there are no prior recorded incidences of sight being restored to the blind.
"Could this be the Son of David?" is a very interesting question. David is in reference to King David, probably the most renowned king that ever ruled Israel (same dude that slew Goliath). Though several generations have already passed since David's death, Jews and Christians back then and even today cling to God's promise given by the prophet Nathan to King David:
- ‘The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’” - 2 Samuel 7:11-14,16
Based on the prophecy given by Nathan, the king that will rule forever, will come through the lineage of King David. So hence the question, "Could this be the Son of David?"
At the time when this person asked this question, Israel and all the surrounding territories around it were under the rule of Rome. Since the Roman Caesar was not from the lineage of David, every Jew knew that this was Not a fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy. So they longed for the Messiah (or the Christ) to come who would fulfill the words spoken by the prophet.
The name "Beelzebul" has its origin from the Hebrew Baal-zebub, meaning the lord of the flies and was the Philistine pagan god of Ekron.
The religious establishment at that time were trying to dissuade people from following Jesus and at the same time they needed to explain to the people how Jesus was able to do the things he was doing. So they came up with the explanation that Jesus was the "prince of demons". However Jesus offers an alternate explanation to the religious establishment, "But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you."
If the above statement (i.e. the kingdom of God has come upon you) is true, then this has very interesting ramification. Jesus is saying that the kingdom of God has arrived and the arrival of God's kingdom is tied in with the presence of the "the Spirit of God". So if it was God's spirit was able to force these evil spirits leave, then God's spirit is more powerful. Then if God's spirit is more powerful, why doesn't God just do the same thing as these evil spirits (i.e. enter our body by force, overwhelm our spirit, and force us to do His will)? Wouldn't this be the quickest and easiest way to bring peace on Earth?

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Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit -Mark 1:21-28

They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

Here Jesus removes an evil spirit on the Sabbath. The Sabbath was a Saturday. God told Moses (Exodus 20:8) who told Israel to "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." But the religious authorities at that time (and even today), greatly expanded upon this command by setting limits on how much work can be done on the Sabbath; By their definition, healing people was considered work. So in the minds of many Pharisees, a man of God would NOT heal people (do work) on the Sabbath.
The demon inhabited a man that was affiliated with a synagogue. Back then (and even today) it was required that you attend synagogue on the Sabbath. So it appears that demons don't seem to have any reverence towards a type of building. So if you are being hounded by demons, don't expect running into a church or synagogue as a safe haven.
Notice the demon did not say, "Destroy me", but says "Destroy Us".And says, "What do you want with us?" So more than one spirit is able to inhabit a person.
Their question admits that Jesus has the power/ability to destroy them. The question also admits they are enemies of God. If these spirits were strangers, acquaintances, friends or allies of God, their first question would NOT be, "Have you come to destroy us?" I've done my share of trade shows and meetings, but I have yet to encounter a person upon seeing me for the first time, "Have you come to destroy us?" The demon obviously recognized Jesus and they must be on very unfriendly terms.
The demonic spirit testifies that Jesus is "the Holy One of God!"
Jesus frequently commanded these spirits to "Be quiet!"; It is as if Jesus wanted to pursue His ministry without publicity. The Gospel writer Mark writes: "and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was." -Mark 1:34
Because these demons were able to recognize who Jesus was, both Jesus and the demons must be very ancient in age. It is as if they have had a past encounter before.

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Jesus Heals a Boy Possessed by an Impure Spirit -Mark 9:17-29

When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked.

A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”

“You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.

After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

Here we see an incident of a demon possessing a child. The Gospel writer Luke in (Luke 8:1-3) write this: After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others.
Don't expect a demon to be moral, chivalrous or gentleman like. Like the current Assad regime in Syria, unarmed women and children are all fair targets to them.
I'm sure you know some people who are on the abusive side when it comes to things that are not theirs (e.g. car rentals, apartments, rental skis); but multiple attempts in trying to kill a child? This act is far more heinous than child abuse.

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Jesus Meets Legion -Luke 8:26-39

Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. And when He came out onto the land, He was met by a man from the city who was possessed with demons; and who had not put on any clothing for a long time, and was not living in a house, but in the tombs. Seeing Jesus, he cried out and fell before Him, and said in a loud voice, “ What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me.” For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had seized him many times; and he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, and yet he would break his bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert. And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “ Legion”; for many demons had entered him. They were imploring Him not to command them to go away into the abyss.

Now there was a herd of many swine feeding there on the mountain; and the demons implored Him to permit them to enter the swine. And He gave them permission. And the demons came out of the man and entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they ran away and reported it in the city and out in the country. The people went out to see what had happened; and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting down at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they became frightened. Those who had seen it reported to them how the man who was demon-possessed had been made well. And all the people of the country of the Gerasenes and the surrounding district asked Him to leave them, for they were gripped with great fear; and He got into a boat and returned. But the man from whom the demons had gone out was begging Him that he might accompany Him; but He sent him away, saying, “Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you.” So he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.

Of the five incidences where Jesus remove an evil spirit(s) from an individual, I find this to be the most interesting because Jesus actually asks the demon a question, "What is your name?"
So Jesus travels East across the sea of Galilee, arrives on the shores of Gerasenes, and is met by this naked man who had been living in the tombs. Being naked in public 2000 years ago and even today is considered improper. With Americans boasting one of the highest obesity rates in the world, it might even be considered repulsive and extra scary. One quick lesson is that these demons simply don't care about the dignity of the individuals they inhabit. So if one day you enter into a conversation with a demon possessed person, don't expect even a morsel of compassion from them.
Here is another incident of a non-human entity (a dark spirit) testifying that "Jesus is the Son of the Most High God". Demons, like men, can and probably do lie, but I don't see anything to be gained by lying here. Also what he says, What business do we have have with each other? Do not torment me. Don't send me into the abyss", suggests that these demons believe he is the Son of God. What they say and how they say it, shows that they are terrified.
Collectively the demons who possessed this man evidently could do something supernatural and give the body they inhabited super strength. This possessed man is able to break shackles and over power guard(s). Yet they are terrified at an unarmed Jesus?
A Roman Legion was not just hundreds of men but thousands. There was probably at least two thousand demons in this one man, because the Gospel writer Mark, who also documents this same incident writes:

A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. -Mark 5:11-13
The word "abyss" is interesting word. Prior to this event, the word "abyss" is not used in the Scriptures. The Gospel writer Mark, probably because he doesn't know what the "abyss" is, just says "out of the area" in his narration. But a decades later, the Apostle John is given a vision from God and he sees and describes what the abyss is. From John's description, it's definitely not a place you want to bring your family for a vacation. I don't blame these demons for not wanting to be sent there where other demons are being held. Advance readers would want to check out what is inside the abyss Revelations 9. and Revelations 20 where Satan will eventually end up.
Some people are annoyed and saddened by the fact that Jesus was indirectly responsible for the death of thousands of animals that oink. This region was also known as the region of the Gadarenes (Matt 8:28). The tribe of Gad was given this region to inhabit. It was unlawful for Jews to eat or conduct commerce with this type of animal. One point of view is that these particular animals was causing Jews (many of whom intermarried with people of different faiths) to sin. And Jesus was aiding them to stop sinning by removing these pigs permanently.

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