What Is A Miracle?
Good Morning Friends,
Today we explore the connection between prayer and prophecy. We look at our incurable situation as humans and then marvel at the reality that God has chosen us, in love, and calls us to walk on water and to heal others. Then we ask, What Is A Miracle?
Scripture: The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you. For thus says the Lord: Your hurt is incurable, your wound is grievous. There is no one to uphold your cause, no medicine for your wound, no healing for you. All your lovers have forgotten you; they care nothing for you; for I have dealt you the blow of an enemy, the punishment of a merciless foe, because your guilt is great, because your sins are so numerous. Why do you cry out over your hurt? Your pain is incurable. Because your guilt is great, because your sins are so numerous, I have done these things to you. Thus says the Lord: I am going to restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob, and have compassion on his dwellings; the city shall be rebuilt upon its mound, and the citadel set on its rightful site. Out of them shall come thanksgiving, and the sound of merrymakers. I will make them many, and they shall not be few; I will make them honored, and they shall not be disdained. Their children shall be as of old, their congregation shall be established before me; and I will punish all who oppress them. Their prince shall be one of their own, their ruler shall come from their midst; I will bring him near, and he shall approach me, for who would otherwise dare to approach me? says the Lord. And you shall be my people, and I will be your God.
Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22 (NRSV)
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.
Matthew 14:22-36 (NRSV)
Message: The Bible tells us that in the last days there will be a deluge of diseases with no cure. And with antibiotics becoming more ineffective against super bugs I can see how this might be. It seems we need a miracle that goes beyond the dullness of life and convinces us of the power and presences of God. And friends, this miracle is not some rendering of a natural law that we have yet to learn, but the coming of Christ into human history beyond our greatest hope. And though the walking on water and healings of touch of the insignia of the sign of God in Jesus might comfort us they still do not seem to save us from death and yet Jesus save us in death…even the little ones. Friends, Jesus is the healer of all humankind because he loves us in our afflictions and in our souls and that is the miracle.
Pray for the presence of God in our lives beyond an apparition. Pray we dispel disillusionment. Pray we defeat distractions. Pray we destroy doubt. Pray we expect a miracle and are healed. Pray we realize that Christ comes in our afflictions but is also the one who calls us to righteousness to join in the miracle of life.
Blessings,
John Lawson
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