Jesus Podcast Host/Commentator (15:15)
When we read the Bible, we might find ourselves categorizing all of the stories into one time period distinct from ours. When we read through the magnificent moments like God speaking to Moses through a bush set ablaze that didn't burn, or or a talking donkey used to stop a wicked prophet from cursing God's people. Or the apostles in the early church performing the same types of healings as Jesus, we may be left wondering why those same events aren't as prevalent today. But we have to remember that the Bible often captures these moments for the very reason that they were distinct from the day to day lives of people lived at the time when Jesus began performing miracles. It was just as surprising to the people then as as it would be for us if we saw that happening now. And if you were to condense all of those events in just a small book, it would seem like it would happen every single day. You see, the mission of Jesus during his earthly ministry was revolutionary. He was turning Jewish tradition on its head, instituting the kingdom of God and preparing its citizens. And he was fulfilling his role as the promised Messiah from Genesis 3. This task required a turning of the tides that seemed impossible. So it only makes sense that to prove his claims, he would have to do the impossible. He would have to prove that the authority he carried came from God in heaven. In accomplishing this work, we may not see many of the same sort of miracles today, but that doesn't mean that the Spirit is any less work. The miracles we see today are just as extraordinary with God. Empowering minds to translate the Bible into every language. Stories of families who have nothing, being supported by loving communities of faith. And even times when we do see miraculous healings that could only be explained by God's abiding love in our lives. But whatever miracles we see in our lives, we should remember that miracles aren't the only defining attribute of God. We can't distill our idea of God's power down to these moments. Miracles are just catalysts used to deepen faith. But through that, there's a miracle behind the miracle, where we get to see that growing faith put into action as disciples press on to make more disciples. The idea that the modern church of over 2.38 billion believers started with 12 everyday people is a miracle in and of itself. As Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine, he was planting a seed in their hearts, A seed that would grow their belief to trust that every word he spoke to them was true and that they would be the ones who shared his message with the world. So what do we learn about faith through the first miracle? First, we're taught to trust in Jesus timing. After the stone jars have been filled, Jesus tells a servant to bring a cup of the contents to the master of the feast. We're not told in scripture where exact. We're not told in scriptures where exactly the water turned into wine. Was it immediately after the vessels were filled? The moment the cup was poured? While the servants walked to deliver the drink? While the servants walked to deliver the drink? Or was it mere seconds before it touched the lips of the master of the feast? In a sense, it doesn't matter. The point is that Jesus came in his timing. The servants didn't need to check the water. They didn't ask Jesus when he was going to provide more wine. They had to have faith that in time it would happen in the same way. Just because we don't know God's timing or are confused about his process doesn't mean we should hesitate to listen and obey when Jesus calls us to take a step. Uncertainty in the process is distinct from certainty in God's promises. Having the former doesn't exclude the latter. God doesn't expect us to live without uncertainty. In fact, he expects it. That's why he requires faith. But over time, as we see his faithfulness, it will grow our assurance that his promises are always yes and Amen. When we think about Jesus ministry as a whole, we can see a multitude of people that are healed. But that doesn't mean everyone was. It might be easy to wonder why Jesus didn't perform endless miracles, spending every second he could finding the sick blind, lame and healing them in an instant with a word. Every sick person could have been made well, and every hungry belly could have been made full. But there was and is a greater plan that God is working out. While Jesus wanted to bless the ones he performed miracles for, his true hope was to lead people to repentance. Blanket healings would have brought physical peace to people's afflictions, but completely missed the mark of the spiritual healing that he wanted to provide. While it may seem insensitive for God to not provide all the miracles we think he should, we should trust in his good plan. Think about Adam and Eve. After they sinned, they were removed from the garden. What some may see as a punishment was actually an act of mercy. We're told in Genesis 3:22 that God removed them from the garden so that they wouldn't eat of the tree of life and live eternally broken in their sin. You see, what seems harsh or what seems like judgment can actually be an act of mercy from God. God held off his miracle of giving them eternal life to first perform the miracle of cleansing humanity from its transgressions. God is good, and we can trust that he has good plans through the miracle. In Cana, Jesus did more than just save a wedding. He was preparing the foundation for this young couple to honor God in their marriage. Rather than allowing them to start off their marriage with a bad reputation in the community that brought bitterness and hardship, he gave them the blessing of knowing how much God cared for them. He wanted to show them that he loves fruitful marriages that are founded in gratitude for the Lord and find their hope in Him. He wanted to give them more than just a good celebration. He wanted to give them a good life. Jesus wants to bless beyond the material. He wants to give us a good life full of his peace, joy and strength. And he wants it more than just physical needs being met. When we only look at God for the physical spaces, we're likely to miss how he's working in the spiritual, mental and emotional parts of our lives. God cares for us holistically. This is why he calls us to love him with all of our hearts, soul, mind and strength. He wants us to be integrated in our worship of him, to not only praise him for how he's cared for our physical well being, but also how he's cared for our hearts, minds and souls. Miracles only address the physical, which is why Jesus didn't want people to need signs and wonders forever. The miracles were just setting the stage for his work to grow the faith of the first disciples. And while miracles are still at work today, we can look to more than just miracles to grow our faith. We have so many things the disciples didn't have. The complete scriptures from Genesis to Revelation, generations of faithful men and women who have spread the gospel message. Countless testimonies of the saving, transformative power of Jesus. So yes, look for miracles in your life. Expect God to do the unexpected. Believe that he's going to do the impossible things in your life. But above all, remember that all of those things are meant to draw you closer to Him. That is the true miracle.
