Where are the Nail Prints?

In the Middle Ages there was a popular story about the fourth century saint, Martin of Tours in which Satan appeared to him but not as we often picture the devil.  No tails, pitchfork, flames or smoke. Rather he appeared clothed in splendid robes, wearing a crown and surrounded by a glorious light.  He announced, with a voice like music, that he was Christ, Himself.  Martin gazed upon him in dazzled silence.   "Martin," said the Evil One. "Why don't you believe? Can't you see that I am Christ?"

Martin replied.  "Where are the nail prints? Where is the scar from the spear" There were none. As soon as he asked that question, the apparition vanished.

That is a question we must ask of every messenger who claims to come from God.

Where are the nail prints?

I was reminded of this as I watched an expose on Benny Hinn last night on television.  Hinn is presently under investigation by the US Senate Finance Committee because of concerns that have come to light over his alleged extravagant misuse of donors funds.  This is not the first time that Hinn's credibility has been called into question.  But like a Teflon pan, however, nothing seems to stick to him permanently and his supporters continue to flock to him like the angel of light he portrays himself to be.  I, however, want to yell out whenever I see his image on the television, "Where are the nail prints??"

When the apostle Paul needed to defend his ministry against his critics in Corinth who questioned whether his ministry was really from the Lord, how did he answer?  Did he point to his conversion stats, the number of churches he planted, his baptism figures, or donation records?  Did he strut around in expensive, tailor-made white suits with gold embroidered lettering on his breast?

No, these are Paul's credentials that prove that he is a servant of Christ: far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.  (2 Cor. 11:23-28)

How I wish we could pull our eyes off of those whose lives and ministries are marked with success, riches and glory and look to those whose lives and service are marked by suffering, sacrifice, and shame.  This is a temptation for believers wherever we live.  I have seen persecuted believers seduced by the musical voices of those who promise much and deliver little (see Jude 12 and 2 Peter 2:17-19).  Oh, that we as God's people would look away from the dazzling light, the fancy clothes, and the crowns, close our ears to the musical voice and look, instead, for the nail prints.