Miracles – December 18, 2019

Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Isaiah 35:5,6

Miracles

Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, God told his people what to expect when Jesus would come. The Savior would open blind eyes so that they could see. He would unstop deaf ears so that they could hear. He would heal crippled legs and make the mute speak. In other words, once the Savior came, everything would change!

But if that’s the case, why is life so hard? Why do you get sick? Why do people still die in slow, painful ways? If Jesus has truly come and he truly is powerful, then where are all the miracles? How come there are so many blind, deaf, crippled, and mute people? If Jesus really is a miracle-worker, how come he isn’t working miracles today?

Remember that Jesus’ miracles were signs. A sign points to something greater than itself. Jesus’ miraculous signs proved that he is the almighty Son of God, the one Being with the power to stop evil. His miracles demonstrate that power. People had to know that God was with them to stop evil at its source. Jesus did not come to provide health care; he came to bring ultimate healing. Sickness and death need to be stopped at its source or it will continue to happen. The source of evil is sin.

God’s solution to sin is astounding, and even the Bible admits that it is foolishness to those who do not believe (1 Corinthians 1:18). To forgive sin the Son of God became a man and lived perfectly. By his death, Christ destroys the power of sin and death. Forgiveness is a far greater miracle than making the deaf hear or the lame leap because forgiveness requires the life and death of Jesus.

Moreover, Jesus promises his followers perfect health when he raises them up on the Last Day. He will transform their lowly body so that it will be like his glorious body (Philippians 3:21). That miracle is certain because he speaks a greater miracle to you right now: All your sins are forgiven.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your greatest miracle: my forgiveness. Amen.