Miracles
“Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles . . .” Psalm 105:5
The word “miracle” carries different meanings to many people. In my mind it’s a God-event that violates man’s understanding of natural laws.
Jesus performed many miracles during his time on earth. Most of them dealt with healing and natural phenomena. They’re well documented in both Biblical and historical records. I’ve wondered about all the ones not recorded, which we know were many.
Jesus’s two big miracles are obvious: His resurrection and His ascension. Think about what else He did:
–restored sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, speaking to the mute; cleansing to lepers;
–walked on water;
–drove out evil spirits and restored sanity;
–raised dead people to life;
–created food for thousands;
–turned water into wine.
What miracle comes to your mind and why? Here’s one that likely doesn’t stand out for most people, but it carries enormous significance. Recall the woman who had hemmoraged blood for twelve years. Do you understand the incredibility of what happened? Her doctors had been unable to restore her health. By Mosaic Law, she was unclean and expressly prohibited from contact with others, resulting in her isolation from society. Yet, she traveled 30 miles and touched the cloak of the Son of God and her bleeding ceased immediately. What a bold move! By Mosaic Law, Jesus would be unclean, too! Instead, He responded, “Who touched me?”, after sensing power had left Him. Of course, He knew, but He uttered this statement as a teaching lesson. The woman came forward and fell at His feet, and Jesus pronounced that her faith had made her well.
Don’t just read about the miracles of Jesus. Read between the lines and think of the backgrounds of the people involved to fully appreciate the significance of what happened.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for the miracles. May we develop deeper faith! Amen.
Revelation (and not Revelations)
“The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw . . . “ Revelation 1:1-2a NIV
Do you understand the book of Revelation? The Apostle John wrote it while imprisoned on Patmos Island. The original text is in Greek and aptly named Apocalypse. It’s about the end times.
Revelation is a worthwhile book to read and study. The imagery is incredible. I readily admit that it’s difficult to understand, and I suspect you feel the same way. Why is Revelation written in this manner? One would think that a topic as important as this one would be made crystal clear for everyone to understand. Here’s my theory, and it’s just as valid as anyone else’s you may have read or heard.
Think about Luke, the physician. A doctor from 2018 tells him about using proton therapy to cure cancer. How accurately would Luke, who hasn’t a clue about cancer, protons, and proton therapy, describe it? There are a bunch of examples I could cite. When you were a boy or girl, how would your writing back then about 2018 match today’s reality? How well right now do you think you could describe the world in the year 4018? Or 6018?
These examples show John’s problem in writing about a future event. Some incredible things were described to him, and using his knowledge, language, history, culture, etc., he had to write about it. That’s a really tall order. Almost 2000 years have passed since John penned Revelation, so you can imagine the challenge he faced.
Do you lack a clear understanding of Revelation? Don’t worry. Study anyway, and recognize the prophecy ending that God will reign forever and evil will be defeated forever.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for your Revelation! Amen
Repetition–we need it
“No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God . . . ” John 1:18 NIV
Think back to your days in elementary, junior, and high school. Your teachers employed a common method to enable students to remember. They used repetition. It’s highly effective. I’ve been out of high school for over a half century, and today I can still recite things that I learned from repetition, such as the Lord’s Prayer in Spanish, the poem Silver by Walter de la Mare, etc. It’s a technique that has been around for a long time.
Think about the Israelites of the Old Testament. Even though they witnessed the presence of God and many miracles, God had to repeat Himself in word and deed time after time after time after time for them to understand Him. Jesus did the same in the New Testament.
John is a favorite book in the Bible for many people. I really like it because Jesus is quoted many times, so we learn directly from His lips. One of the major themes in John is that Jesus is God. Did you realize this? It’s easy to get distracted by everything that’s recorded.
Here are the names attributed to Jesus in the book of John: the Word, the light of all mankind, one and only Son, Lamb of God, God’s Chosen One, Messiah, Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, Rabbi, king of Israel, temple, Son of Man, living water, Savior of the world, bread of life, Holy One of God, I am, light of the world, gate for the sheep, good shepherd, Father, God’s son, resurrection and the life, the way and the truth and the life, true vine, King of the Jews, and Rabboni (which means “Teacher”)
The book of John informs us who Jesus using many different descriptors. It’s a type of repetition for us to “get it”.
Look at these names of Jesus. Which ones really register with you?
Prayer: Thank you, God, for Your patience in instructing us on who You are. Amen
Judging others
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37 NIV
This statement by Jesus strikes home. Where do you encounter the most judgmental people? I suggest in churches. For incomprehensible reasons, church-going Christians are perhaps the worse.
Have you ever been informed by well-meaning but strangely misguided folks that you don’t have salvation because what you believe does not align perfectly with what they believe? For example, my wife and I were baptized in the River Jordon, about 1/2 mile upstream of where it is believed that Jesus was baptized. Guess what? According to some folks, our baptism doesn’t count and we don’t have salvation because it wasn’t performed by a pastor of and in a church having a particular name. Ridiculous! We forgive them, but cannot imagine where they latched onto such crazy thinking. These kinds of legalistic comments drive visitors away from worshiping with them, and they can’t figure out why their church is shrinking. I suggest this practice is one big reason attendance and membership have been steadily declining over the years.
This is one of many examples that I could share with you. I suspect you can cite others from your own personal experiences.
There’s a popular saying today that fits Jesus’s teaching. It’s “don’t judge me because my sin is different from your sin.” This expression is a great paraphrase of today’s Bible verse.
Have you been falsely judged? Have you falsely judged others? Are you quick to forgive?
Prayer: Forgive us, God, for the times we’ve been judgmental and overlooked our own sins. Amen
Some old rules
Leviticus 19 NIV 26b “Do not practice divination or seek omens.” 28a “Do not . . . put tattoo marks on yourselves.” 31a “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritualists . . . “
In Leviticus God gave Moses many rules and regulations for the Israelites to follow in order to show obedience, obtain forgiveness, and honor Him. They proved to be incredibly challenging and impossible for them to obey. It caused enmity between God and His chosen people.
Jesus changed everything. No longer did salvation come from Mosaic law, but by believing that Jesus is the Messiah and making Him Lord of one’s life.
What’s difficult for me is knowing which Mosaic laws were obsoleted by Jesus being the New Covenant. It’s obvious the animal sacrifices are no longer required, as Jesus served as the ultimate sacrifice for all believers. However, it’s equally obvious the Ten Commandments are as valid today as when Moses descended Mount Sinai with the two tablets.
The above verses, which were from God directly to Moses, directed the Israelites to not practice divination, seek omens, get tattoos, turn to mediums or seek out spiritualists. Do these rules apply to us today–thousands of years removed from when He ordered them?
I suggest they do. Most of them are interrelated. They indicate to me that one should not do anything that opens one’s life to be influenced by evil spirits. It’s why a Christian should not consult fortune tellers or palm readers or mediums or Tarot card readers, use Ouija boards, follow astrology, etc. They may appear to be innocent activities, but since God spoke specifically about such practices, we should regard them as being dangerous.
Modern people think it’s archaic to believe in a spiritual dimension, but such thinking is foolish. I submit the spiritual world is more real than our physical world, but operating in coexistence with it. If you don’t accept this premise, then you have absolutely no reason to believe in heaven, hell, angels, God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit. You can’t have it both ways.
The one stand-out rule that is different from all the others regards tattoos. I get the other warnings about evil spirits, but this one is more difficult to understand. What could possibly be wrong with a tattoo of a butterfly, a unicorn, a loved one’s name, a Celtic love knot, etc.? Quite honestly, I do not know. However, I’m willing to avoid getting a tattoo in order to prevent the possibility of disappointing God.
How do you feel about God’s rules to Moses? Do you think some of them still apply to us today?
Prayer: Dear God, we pray for forgiveness whenever we disappoint You. Lead us to be the people You want us to be. Amen
Love and respect
“ . . . each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” Ephesians 5:33 NLT
I’m certain you’ve heard some preacher inform a congregation that the Bible contains everything one needs to know to survive and thrive in this life and the next. The claim isn’t original, but it makes good sermon material. People loosely accept the statement as true, but in reality feel that it falls under the category of fanciful thinking.
The Bible isn’t going to tell me what I need to know to be an engineer–e.g., educate me on thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, vibration, metallurgy, etc.–but it does instruct me on how to regard my labor and conduct myself in doing business. It doesn’t tell us everything we need to know, but it certainly tells us what we need to do to live in harmony with His plan for our lives.
I’ve read many books about marriage–thousands of pages worth. I suggest that many problems experienced by married couples arise from each one trying to figure out things on their own and assuming their partner should think and feel as they do. These marriages rarely make it. Instead, they should educate themselves by studying the works of Christian experts, including those in the Bible, who have evaluated carefully what makes marriages click.
Let me boil the issue down to the lowest common denominator. Today’s marriage experts have concluded that wives want to be loved and husbands want to be respected. Some have even landed books on the New York Times Best Sellers list with this finding. Amazing! They are only two thousand years late in discovering what the apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:33 around 60-61 A.D. while in prison. We aren’t nearly as original as we may think.
Maybe there is something to be said for the preacher’s claim after all. The Bible contains so much wisdom. We should never take it lightly or assume it doesn’t apply to us today. Relative to wives wanting love and husbands wanting respect, Paul nailed it.
Do you want a better marriage? Look in the Book!
Prayer: Thank you, God, for Your wisdom to us revealed through the pages of the Bible. Amen
Holy Spirit, enter in
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” 1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV
The Old Testament reveals that God communicated vocally with people numerous times. I imagine such occasions were met with sheer awe, deep humility, fear, excitement, confusion, doubt, and many other responses.
His initiative increased significantly in the New Testament with the bodily presence of Jesus Christ living on earth. Can you even fathom what it would have been like to know Him personally or hear Him speak or even just see Him? It had to be mind-blowing.
It didn’t end then and there. After Pentecost the Holy Spirit, aka the Comforter, came to continue the communication of the Godhead to mankind. How does He talk to us today?
I’ve never heard Him speaking audibly. However, I don’t discount the possibility He may do so, as I know of no scriptural basis to discredit such an occurrence. You likely know people who have reported hearing an audible voice directing them at some crucial juncture in a situation.
Believers who have accepted God’s free gift of grace possess the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This reality is something that an unbeliever cannot comprehend whatsoever. It defies their own logic and reason. It cannot be explained or proven scientifically. However, know this: He is as real as real can be, and He guides and directs every believer.
Many of the happiest and most fulfilling events in my life have included the Holy Spirit communicating directly with me–not audibly, but inaudibly. When it happens, you know it. A response enters your entire being–not just in your brain, but in your heart and soul, permeating your very existence. You feel it absolutely, positively, unequivocally, beyond any shadow-of-doubt.
Here are some examples from my own life, but without details. He directed me almost 46 years ago to the person I was supposed to marry against incredible odds, as a multiplicity of events had to occur for us to even meet. He saved my wife’s life not once, but twice, in answer to urgent prayer; He did likewise for our younger son during an automobile accident. He healed me instantaneously about 40 years ago in response to a key need. Almost 8 years ago He directed my path to beat cancer–not only saving my life, but positively impacting and redirecting it in dramatic ways. I could go on, but you get the picture.
Do you feel what I’m saying? Do you experience His presence unmistakably in your life? Do you want to know Him better? Invite Him into every aspect of your life. He’s there if you’re willing.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Amen.
Memorial Day
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 NIV
Memorial Day is a sacred holiday in the United States. It’s not the marker for the school year ending, just a day off from work, the beginning of summer vacation, a chance to barbeque, to take a weekend trip, to go the lake or a ballgame or anything of a playful nature. It’s a day for us to remember all the veterans in our country’s history who died to preserve our freedoms and others’ freedoms. It’s a somber occasion that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
The United States has lost hundreds of thousands of men and women during military service in many wars. More died in the Civil War than all others combined. WW II was next, followed by WW I and on down the line. We have many families that have lost members from WW II, Korea, Vietnam, the Middle Eastern conflicts, etc. The impacts are far-reaching and affect many people.
For today’s families who have lost a dad, mom, son, daughter or any other service member relative in the line of duty, we salute the memory of your loved ones and thank you for their sacrifice. The freedom that we know as Americans isn’t free. It never has been and never will be.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for those Americans who served and sacrificed for their fellow countrymen. Amen
Big time questions
When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Mark 12:34 NIV
One of these days–and it’s not that far into the future for any of us–we may come face-to-face with Jesus Christ, and He may ask us a question. Do you find the possibility frightening or exciting?
if Jesus asks a question, it must be pretty important. Fortunately, the Scriptures give us many examples from two thousand years ago. I think it behooves us to examine them relative to our own lives as well. Below are seven questions that Jesus asked. Read each one of them carefully and think about how it applies to your own life. Come up with examples from your own experiences just as if Jesus asked you the same questions.
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3
“You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Matthew 8:26 NIV
“Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Matthew 9:28 NIV
“What do you think about the Messiah?” Matthew 22:42 NIV
“Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord’, and not do what I say?” Luke 6:46 NIV
“What do you want Me to do for you?” Luke 18:41 NIV
“Do you love Me?” John 21:17 NIV
Prayer: Lord, teach us to answer Your questions relative to our own lives. Amen.
What’s the Big Buddha in your life?
“You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an image . . . You shall not bow down to them or worship them . . .” Exodus 20:3-5 NIV
I love Japan and its people. My feeling comes from visiting it 23 times and spending over a year of my life there. My favorite place is the city of Nara. the first capital of the country. Today it still possesses the charm and eloquence of ancient Japan. During World War II, the USA refused to bomb Nara, since it held such historical, religious, and cultural importance to the Japanese. This stunning benevolence by our country in this regard is difficult to imagine during wartime.
My favorite place to stay was a hotel bordering Nara Park, a fascinating place. Imagine a Vatican City for Japanese Buddhists, and this is it. The most important structure here is Todaiji Temple, home to Diabutsuden, aka Big Buddha. It’s the world’s largest building, built in 1692; amazingly, it’s only 2/3 the size of the original built in 752 that had been destroyed in a fire between two warring armies.
Big Buddha is an imposing figure just under 50 feet tall and weighing many tons, made of gilded bronze with a gold overlay covering its headdress. The surroundings are surreal and would require considerable explanation to describe adequately. In Japanese Buddhism, this one is THE Buddha. On New Year’s Day around 200,000 Japanese wait hours in line to enter Todaiji Temple to pay their respect and receive good luck.
This area is serene and beautiful. I’ve visited Big Buddha numerous times, and people are always prostrate at his feet and praying. Their worship is painful to watch. One feels powerless to do anything. You just want to shake some sense into the ones bowing to a STATUE.
How did the Japanese miss the mark so badly? As a whole they are some of the nicest people I’ve ever known. They display behaviors that are Christian–probably more consistently than I see with most Christians.
Big Buddha exemplifies in living technicolor what is another god to millions of people. Nonetheless, we may be guilty of doing the same, but in more subtle ways. ANYTHING we place ahead of God is a false god. I suggest that ANYTHING covers a broad range of possibilities.
Do you have any false gods in your life? If so, what do you need to do to eliminate them?
Prayer: Thank you, God, for being a great God full of mercy. Forgive us when we have not placed you first in our lives. Amen.