[ ] 1/12/2014 # 1042
SIGNS, WONDERS AND MIRACLES OF GOD
Hebrews 2:1-4
INTRODUCTION: As you read your Bible, it seems as if miracles were part of everyday life. We read of walls falling down, the sun standing still, sick people instantly healed, and the dead being raised back to life. All were demonstrations of God's mighty power.
The term "miracle" is used in our day very loosely. It seems that almost everything is a miracle. Augustus said: "The daily miracle of God has grown cheap by repetition."
But what is a miracle? "A miracle has been defined as a work wrought by a divine power for a divine purpose by means beyond the reach of man." A miracle is the supernatural act of God that superseded natural law.
"Against overwhelming odds, all 33 workers at a mine in Chile that had collapsed in 2010 were finally rescued after spending 69 days underground. Some of the miners said they prayed urgently to survive the ordeal, and many people worldwide watching television coverage of the rescue operation also prayed for their survival. Did God help the rescue team safely get each man out of the mine?"
"A formation of birds flew into an airplane that had recently taken off from New York's LaGuardia Airport, shutting down both of the jet's engines in mid-air. Yet pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger was able to guide the plane safely down for a landing in the Hudson River. All 150 passengers and five crew members survived, and people on ferry boats rescued them from the river. This famous event has come to be known as the 'Miracle on the Hudson.'"
I. PERIODS OF MIRACLES
There were periods in history when God performed mighty miracles. God never did miracles by His power to entertain men.
A. FOUR PERIODS OF MIRACLES.
1. Days of Moses through the days of Joshua.
God used signs and miracles to confirm his choice of Moses as the leader of the Israelites. Those miracles gave credibility to the message of Moses. The children of Israel saw the mighty power of God in the 10 plagues He brought upon Egypt. The dividing of the Red Sea is among the greatest miracles recorded in the Bible. The fall of the walls of Jericho and the destruction of that city is another display of God's power.
After Joshua's conquest of Canaan, a long period of time followed in which miracles rarely happen. Hundreds of years passed during the time of the judges, the reign of King David and Solomon in which the Bible records barely any miracles.
2. Days of Elijah and Elisha.
During the days of Elijah and Elisha, they were used of God to perform many miracles. They were God's prophets to the northern kingdom of Israel. The northern kingdom strayed from the Lord and practiced idolatry. It was during the reign of King Ahab when Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. The god of the prophets or the God of Elijah who answered by fire would be declared as the true God. The prophets of Baal built an altar and made their prayers to their god. Nothing happened. When Elijah prayed, God answered with fire from heaven consuming the sacrifice.
Elijah and Elisha were used of God to raise back to life two young boys who had died. Many other miracles are recorded in the Bible that these two men performed.
3. Days of Israel's captivity in Babylon.
It was during the days of Israel's captivity in Babylon that miracles were performed in great number.
Some of the greatest of miracles in the Old Testament took place during Israel's captivity. One of the most spectacular of God's miracles occurred in the life of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They were delivered from the fiery furnace.
Miracles seemed to cease after the death of Daniel. Although there is no mention of miracles, God was at work protecting His people. In the book of Esther, we read of the wicked Haman's plot to destroy the Jews. God worked Hisplan to deliver the Jewish people from annihilation. God in His providence worked behind the events and people to bring about His desired plan.
4. Days of Christ and the early church.
Between the book of Malachi and Matthew, 400 hundred years passed without any record of miracles. It was after Jesus began His ministry that the Jews saw again powerful miracles performed. Jesus healed the sick, calmed the raging sea, fed the multitudes, and raised the dead. In a period of three-and -half years, Jesus was known for His mighty works.
Miracles continued into the early years of the church. The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders during this period. (Acts 5:12, 16)
"And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed everyone." (Acts 5:12, 16)
People were healed of their disease, demon possessed people were freed and multitudes were saved. "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them" (Acts 19:11-12).
B. FUTURE PERIOD OF MIRACLES.
There is one more period of time when miracles will be performed. Doing the days of the Great Tribulation, God once again will reveal His mighty power. The book of Revelation is a record of future miracles. Two of God's prophets will be killed and left in the streets of Jerusalem. God will resurrect these two men from the dead so the whole world will see this great miracle. Great miracles will be done in the day of great tribulation.
More physicians today believe that medicine alone cannot deal with some of today’s worst illnesses, according to a statement issued by the World Christian Doctors Network, an interdenominational organization composed of medical professionals who believe in divine healing.
II. PERFORMING OF MIRACLES
A. DESCRIPTION OF MIRACLES.
1. Signs.
Signs were the works of God revealing His power and His purposes. The nature of signs was to point people to God. Signs pointed beyond the miracles themselves to a greater truth, to give understanding. In the Old Testament, Moses performed signs to point people to the truth that God is the "Great I Am." In the gospel of John, the miracles of Jesus were called signs pointing people to the truth that Jesus was the Messiah, the eternal Son of God.
2. Wonders.
Signs and wonders are often used in the same sentence. Signs were to give understanding while wonders captured the imagination. The miracles of God often caused people to be amazed, astonished, or to marvel.
a) Jesus casting out demons.
"And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out." Luke 4:36
b) Jesus calming the sea.
"And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered." Mark 6:51
3. Miracles.
Miraclescall attention to the awesome power and supernatural work of God. A miracle is the intervention of the supernatural into the events of men that cannot be explained, causing great amazement.
"And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased." (John 6:2)
B. DIVERSITY OF MIRACLES.
The message of the great salvation was first spoken of by the Lord and confirmed by His apostles. God added his divine stamp of approval to the preaching of the gospel by giving signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
III. PURPOSE FOR MIRACLES
A. REVELATION. (miracles revealed spiritual truth) (John 20:30-32)
Miracles revealed spiritual truth concerning the character of God and the purposes of God. God revealed Himself and His purpose to the Israelites by the mighty signs and miracles of Moses.
The deity of Christ was revealed by the miracles He performed.
Nicodemus came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him." (John 3:2)
"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." (John 20:30-31)
B. CONFIRMATION. (miracles confirmed God's message and messenger) (Exodus 4:1-9; Mark 16:20; 2 Cor. 12:12)
Miracles confirmed the messages and messengers who were sent from God. Moses, Elijah, Elisha, Jesus and the apostles, etc. had God's approval. The miracles that the apostles performed attested to their apostleship.
Jesus sent His disciples "And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." (Mark 16:20)
"Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds." (2 Corinthians 12:12)
"Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know." (Acts 2:22)
C. MANIFESTATION. (miracles manifest the glory and power of God)
Miracles manifest the glory of God. His power is revealed in the miracles He performs. Creation is a display of the miracle-working power of God. The Palmists wrote in Psalms 19:1: "The heavens declare the glory of God." One of the greatest miracles Jesus performed was the raising of Lazarus. On hearing of Lazarus' death, Jesus said: "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby." (John 11:4) Jesus demonstrated His power even over death.
LESSONS FOR LIFE:
The miracles in the time of Jesus' ministry and the early days of the church were spectacular and public. Today, almost two thousand years later, God works quietly and compassionately in response to the prayers of his children. While we can believe in miracles, we must live by faith alone in Jesus Christ.
Twice Sherry and I have watched channel 12 news from Winston Salem about miracles. The title of the program is "Miracles Among us." The reporters from the news station interview people who have experienced God's intervention in their lives. Their stories have stirred our hearts as we listened to their testimonies. God is powerful and is still doing amazing things in people's lives. In the future, God will once again do miracles like He did in the Bible. Until then, He is at work in the lives of people blessing them with His mercy and grace. Expect great things from God who can do the impossible.