UNDERSTANDING MIRACLES

And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more MIRACLES than these which this man hath done? – John 7:31

In these days of pervading deception, it is important that we have a clearer UNDERSTANDING of MIRACLES. Belief in miracles is at the heart of the Christian faith. Without the miracle of the resurrection, Christianity would have been obliterated. Understanding the role of miracles in the birth and spread of our faith is essential. With so much fakery around, there is a tendency for some Christians to begin to doubt or deny the reality of true miracles. Yet, virtually everyone wants miracles – the manifestations of God’s Supernatural Power. They are visible, spontaneous, and sudden interventions in the normal course of life. They are “interruptions” of the natural laws of time, space, and matter; actions that run counter to the commonly observed processes of nature. Miracles are the tangible manifestation of “dunamis” – the dynamic, explosive Power of God.

Humanity is hungry for a living God. In the Old Testament miracles were viewed as a direct intervention of God in human affairs, such as His parting of the Red Sea in delivering the children of Israel out of Egypt to demonstrate His power and love in action. The emphasis on miracles as the “redemptive activity of God” is continued in the New Testament, where they are an integral part of the proclamation of the good news that God has acted on man’s behalf, and has entered into human history in the Person of Jesus Christ. The Keystone miracle of the Christian faith is the resurrection of Christ three days after His crucifixion (1Cor.15:14-17). Miracles are more than mere wonderful works, they are “signs,” but only to those who have the spiritual discernment to recognize them as such. Without the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, they only appear to be extraordinary, but meaningless happenings.

The call for miracles is therefore not an indication of ignorance or weakness but an intense desire to connect with the invisible God and to see Him in action in human affairs. Some people argue that education and scientific, intellectual or technological development can take the place of miracles, so we don’t need them any longer. Regardless of how effective education can be, it will never eliminate or nullify the need for the supernatural. A miracle performed in the name of Jesus is more valuable and impactful than years of session of academic theory.

Is healing synonymous to miracles? Although healing is related to miracles, and some occurrences of divine healing may qualify as miracles, in general, a miracle is an instantaneous event that is evident to the human senses, while healing could be progressive. A miracle, therefore, produces a change that goes beyond healing. Healing could involve, for example, the restoration of human organs to their proper functions; whereas a miracle could involve God creating a brand-new organ or something that had not been there before. Events after events, both in the Bible and in contemporary times, have proven that when God’s glory manifests, miracles begin to take place even without any need for public prayer. They take place not because of human anointing but because God chooses to perform miracles in His perfect will.

We must never lose sight of the motive for miracles, which is essentially to validate the Person and Message of Jesus. While miracles remain central to contemporary Christianity, it is interesting to note that Jesus did not heal everyone He came in contact with, and was recorded to have raised three people from the dead. Bethesda’s porches were filled with the sick, but Jesus healed only one of them (Jn 5:2-8). These truths do not invalidate miracles, but situate the occurrence of miracles within the context of God’s Sovereign Will. God can do miracles every day. Indeed, He can perform miracles every moment, but not through human manipulation or to satisfy carnal curiosity. We should ask and believe God for miracles; but ultimately, it remains His prerogative! Are you in dire need of a miracle? Beyond that need, ask God to make you a living miracle for His glory!