The Greatest Miracle - Day 172 Month 6-21 Weeks 25-4
Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)
Judges 8:28-9:21, Psalm 138, Jeremiah 48:14-33, Acts 9:20-43
The Greatest Miracle
When miracles happen, they cause a stir.
In the last couple of days of reading, we have witnessed two remarkable miracles. The first occurred when Saul was on the road to Damascus. He was suddenly blinded and heard Jesus speaking to him. A few days later, Ananias was sent to restore Saul's sight. The third miracle was even more extraordinary. Peter was called to Joppa, where Tabitha was raised from the dead.
Both of these events became catalysts for growth in the church. As we continue reading, we will see how Saul becomes a major force in the spread of the gospel and the growth of the church. In Tabitha's case, we read that “it became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.”
The purpose of miracles is to bring glory to God and, in doing so, strengthen His church.
Miracles:
Display God's power, love, and sovereignty over nature and death.
Point to Jesus' divine identity. Peter raised Tabitha in the name and power of Jesus.
Provide tangible evidence that encourages believers and deepens their faith.
Often draws outsiders to faith, leading to an increase in followers of Jesus.
We do not hear about miracles very often today, at least not in the West. There are many claims of miracles at healing crusades, and some people do appear to have a gift of healing.
Many years ago, I was listening to Bishop Augustus (Gus) Marway of Liberia. He was a regular visitor to The Peoples Church during my youth. Gus told a story about being deep in the wilderness while sharing the message of Jesus. One of the people traveling with him became severely injured and was unlikely to survive without medical attention. They had no way to contact help.
Just then, they heard an airplane overhead. Gus immediately prayed that God would cause the plane to land. Moments later, they heard the engine sputter. Nearby was a wilderness landing strip, and the pilot turned around and landed.
The pilot was concerned about the engine, but Gus explained what had happened and assured him that the plane would be fine. They loaded the injured man aboard and transported him to a hospital. The man made a full recovery, and the airplane experienced no further problems.
Miracles still happen.
I would suggest that miracles are often more visible in parts of the world where people have fewer resources. One challenge in the West is that we have become highly self-reliant. We have some of the best medical facilities in the world and often depend on our own resources rather than on God.
In some ways, modern medicine itself can be viewed as a gift from God. Miracles still occur in the West, but they often receive little attention. I know a woman who was recently healed, yet only a handful of people know her story. There are many healing ministries in the West, but we rarely hear about the healings. The typical Westerner may dismiss them as luck or coincidence.
If miracles are not bringing glory to God, what value do they have for His kingdom?
The miracle that happens regularly in the West is a person becoming a follower of Jesus. Every day, people recognize their need for Him and turn to Him in faith. That is the miracle of life. Peter's presence brought Tabitha back to life for a season, but eventually she would still experience physical death.
The greater miracle is that Jesus brings people from death to life forever.
We will all experience physical death, but our citizenship is in God's kingdom. Life continues there. That only happens through transformation.
What greater transformation is there than passing from death to life?
Have a great day!
Steve
You can subscribe to this blog and receive an email each day or week. Just visit the following link. https://follow.it/my-faith-view-from-here-daily-readings-and-thoughts?leanpub
Comments
Post a Comment