The Inferiority of Miracles

Who doesn't like a miracle? We are all captivated by the unexplained. Though science and skeptics may try to explain away miraculous events I still love to hear a physician say,"I don't know why or how she healed". Modern medicine may involve science but in the end its usually one big educated guess. Science is defined by that which can be duplicated in a laboratory. While science may gather together in a laboratory all of the substances that make a man they cannot duplicate the very essence of life that God breathed into Adam. Colossians chapter 1 tells us that Jesus is the creator. He knew how to heal because he created every living thing.

The Gospels record 34 different miracles but we know this is only the tip of the iceburg. On some occasions Jesus was up all night long healing people. An interesting side note here on healing. Jesus could have looked at the multitudes of people standing in line and said, "All Y'all are healed" but he did not do that. He spoke with every person individually. He personally saves us and personally heals us. He knows your need better than you do.

There is generally a difference between the infirmities that we as Westerners have compared to the infirmities of those who sought out Jesus. Many of the diseases that we seek healing of are diseases due to our sinful living such as poor eating habits and lack of exercise. Lets face it folks, heart disease and diabetes are more sin related than genetically related. Genetics is all too often a scape goat to excuse our sinful behavior. All of the diseases recorded in the bible which Jesus healed appear to be diseases of affliction not sin. Many were demonic related.

Jesus also gave authority to his disciples to heal the sick and cast out demons. As much as I like to see a miracle, be a participant, recipient or just here about a miracle, miracles are not an end in themselves. The Disciples asked Jesus if a certain blind man was blind because his parents sinned. "Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." John 9:3 And again in John 11 when Lazarus was dying, "Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby"

These miracles are amazing but I remind you that Satan can imitate some of these miracles. He is the prince of the power of the air. The ruler of darkness in this world and Satan can perform miracles. For this reason Jesus told the 70 disciples in Luke 10

"And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."

Miracles are great but they take second place to knowing our names are written in the Lambs book of life. That is one thing that Satan cannot duplicate or imitate. Do you know if your name is written in the Lambs book of life? You can know.

Seek the Lord while He may be found. There is coming a day when the door will be shut and no one can seek God. Ask the Lord to reveal sin in your heart. Turn from that sin and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you can be saved and know that you are saved.

A Word of Praise

April has been an incredibly trying month for me. Four visits to the ER. Twice rejected care by the VA only to seek help at a local ER and find the help I needed. My health is improving every day but I still have ground to cover. I believe when I am fully out of the woods my health will be the best its ever been. That is how my decline began. Early in the month I made some drastic changes in my diet and increased my exercise. Along with some other factors my body rebelled and sent me walking through the darkest valley. During all of this my secular employer informs me that my hours will be cut. I do not work for the government but my income is dependent upon Department of Defense money. In spite of the work for my company excelling far beyond my peers they want to cut my hours and increase my work. The Lord gave me wisdom in addressing this injustice and I have another meeting schedule to negotiate my contract.

Throughout my life, even during my 20 years of backsliding from the Lord, God has always been faithful to provide my needs. I have always had just what I need. Never more and never less. Today I was eating brisket at one of my favorite places to dine. The restaurant has a Blues theme and there is Blues music playing. During my rebellious years I was a Blues hound traveling around to festivals and very supportive of the local blues scene. When God brought me back into fellowship with him the taste for the Blues went away. But my taste for BBQ and brisket remain. So when I dine at this restaurant I put my earphones in and listen to hymns or gospel bluegrass while I enjoy my brisket. Today I was listening to a beautiful medley of instrumental hymns. When Amazing Grace was playing, the verse, "The Lord has been so good to me" came to mind. My eyes swelled and I nearly had a hallelujah shouting spell right there in the restaurant.

You see, friends. For the Christian, we have this blessed hope that Christ gave His disciples before he ascended to glory. "Lo, I am with you always". A few days ago I began to thank the Lord for these trials. I felt shamed that I was fearful and not trusting. It was one of those moments, that I trust each you have felt at some time in your life, where you are truly humbled and sense our smallness and complete finite being before the Infinite Holy One. I bless His Holy name. I thank Him for His tender loving mercy.

I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:1-4