Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 18:20-40; Psalm 65:5-8; Exodus 12:40-42,51; Exodus 14:21-31; Exodus 19:16-25; Exodus 7:3-5
Seeing is not believing.
I ask for miracles all the time. I implore God for snow days, chase after lost causes, and jockey for acclaim. I ask God to change people. I ask Him to change me. And most of all, I ask Him to heal.
The possibility of miracles is such lush fruit to my imagination. It means that anything is possible. God could pop down, give a little nudge, and fix any problem. And when He doesn’t, it’s confusing. If He could do a miracle, why doesn’t He do one for me?
In preparing for this study, I noticed that Jesus doesn’t do miracles on command. He isn’t anybody’s trick pony. In fact, He blesses those “who do not see, and yet believe” (John 20:29), and He rebukes a generation that “seeks for a sign” (Matthew 12:39). And, man, I do love a good sign.
It seems if Jesus were just willing to do a bit of skywriting, all would believe and the world would be saved. It’s so much easier to ask for a sign instead of looking to the person of Christ, to hunt after what He can do for us instead of who He is. His miracles aren’t His message, but rather a testament to who He is. And even those who witnessed His miracles did not necessarily believe.
This study focuses on miracles performed by Jesus. But for a big picture, let’s step back and look at all kinds of miracles in the Bible. When reading any scripture, I ask myself, “What is God doing in this passage?” These passages on miracles make it easy to answer that question and learn more about the character of God in the process.
He is supreme and omnipresent: God shows His unearthly power when He scorches the dripping-wet sacrifices for Elijah at Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18).
He is sovereign and omnipotent: He is the Master of nature and quiets the storms (Matthew 8:23-27).
He is merciful and good: He is the source of our salvation (John 3:16; Hebrews 5:7-10).
He is holy and omniscient: He is the thundering presence on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19).
Miracles are one of the ways God expresses His “otherness” to us. They reveal Him in His power, and show us He is not like us. The rules of nature that bind us do not bind Him. The laws of a created world are amendable by the One who created it.
As we read through this study, think about what Jesus’ miracles tell us about His character. Remember that these are nothing less than acts of God performed by Immanuel, “God with us.” Although signs and wonders may not accompany every moment of our lives, the One who makes them possible does.
I love focusing on God…in everything. Everything about our lives should point us back to Jesus. I love the last sentence of this devo: “Although signs and wonders may not accompany every moment of our lives, the One who makes them possible does.” It’s not even about the miracles, but about the ONE who makes the miracles happen. The miracles may not always happen (or be with us), but the ONE who makes them, is. Wow, wow, wow. We truly have everything we need in Christ. Even when we don’t have the marriage we want or the kids we want or the job or the house or the health or the family. He may bless us with miracles in the midst of all of these “wantings” or “havings,” but regardless…we have CHRIST….and therefore we have EVERYTHING. LORD, help us to be content in You, trusting, in awe and completely humbled in the gift of Your presence in our lives. Thank You, Jesus.
This is SO beautiful and eye opening!! God bless you and your ministry. I can’t wait to buy your stuff!!
This Denise agree with the other Denise. I have chills…
I don’t understand how there were obvious miracles back then but not now…
I think you should of found some of your answers in day 2 and 3 did you?
The person who does the miracles always accompanies every moment of my life !!!! WOW !
I like this study because it talks about Miracles he’s performed and how. It just really warms my heart that someone so great is always here for us and loves us very much.
Such an encouraging thought! To be loved by Jesus is a miracle in itself :)
I think this study will bring much enlightenment! Especially because many people who don’t believe usually try to poke fun at the miracles or try to argue their skepticism over it. I hope this study brings me to more of an understanding for the miracles and why they were done, so that I may spread the good news and hopefully reach the heart of someone who doesn’t believe!
I’m excited for this study! Im convicted by the distinction of praying for miracles based on my wants vs desiring to know God’s character more deeply. Praying that my heart would desire relationship and growth with Christ more than the things of the world.
I feel the same way! Especially in light of some current situations in which I’ve been praying for people to change. I need to focus more on seeing God than getting the outcomes I want.
Yes! Love that.
I just noticed that it states in Exodus : ‘all the hosts’ … wow what a supernatural scene that must have been. The Israelites seeing this awesome miracle.. Just for them.. and this week coincides with the Passover week.. Jehovah Shalom !!