Miracles 1: The God of the Mundane (repost)

(Originally posted Nov 12, 2012. My Wednesday night class was discussing miracles, and I remembered this. Part 2 coming Monday.)

Miracles 1: The God of the Mundane

I've noticed something about the miracles of Jesus: no matter the reason for the miracle, no matter how big or how small, Jesus performed it with the same attitude and nonchalance as if He were carrying a box from one room to another. Something was one way; He wanted it to be another way. He made it happen.

He walked on water, as though He were walking down the street. He commanded a storm to be still as if telling His dog to "sit. Stay." He can do that. He created the water, and the storm.

I think we often feel as though a miracle ought to be accompanied by fanfare. As though we have to sing and dance and shout, and announce from on high before God will so much as heal a cataract. Televangelists have an organ playing obnoxiously before dancing down the aisle, raising up a trembling hand, and smacking a troubled audience member while declaring, "Be Healed!"

Jesus spat in some mud, smeared it on some guy's eye and told him to wash his face (John 9:1-7).

Very often, when we look for miracles at the hand of the God of the Universe, we're looking for some big announcement: Hey, look! I'm performing a miracle over here! Thunder! Lightning!

But the Jesus of the Bible just says, "Get up and walk." (Luke 5:22-24)

The truth is, when we look for the mighty miracles, for the trumpets to sound and a voice to come over the wind, we miss the every-day miracles. And when we miss the miraculous in the every day, we also miss the chance to be a part of a miracle ourselves.

And He Will Be Called: Mighty God

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)


In the second name Isaiah gives to the Messiah in his prophecy, God is making clear that this coming King will be God Himself. Indeed, the Jesus of Scripture bears this out. He is a healer, a miracle worker. But what's more, He is Mighty.

Sometimes, I try to imagine myself in the shoes of the Disciples, getting to know this man Jesus as, through the course of His ministry, he reveals more and more of His true nature. I imagine myself in a fishing boat, the tiny vessel being buffeted by water and heavy winds as the sound picks up to a frightening howl. Huddled and waiting for the rain, when a figure reveals itself in the distance, walking upon the angry waves. 

I imagine I, like the disciples, would be afraid. A ghost! A spirit traversing the waters, coming for us! 

And then His voice: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 

Peter, so relieved to hear his Master's voice, he just wants to run across the lake himself just to be nearer to the One who so boldly has stepped into the maelstrom. And when Jesus finally reaches the boat, to watch the winds immediately cease, to stand in awe of His presence, as His nature is finally revealed, and say with his Disciples, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:22-33)

That is our Messiah: a God who can brave the depth of the sea and the roar of the wind, because He has total control over both. Who can whisper a word and calm a raging storm.  Who stared down even Death, and walked away Victorious. 

Are our own problems and struggles so great, when we match them against Him, who is called Mighty God?

Miracles 1: The God of the Mundane

I've noticed something about the miracles of Jesus: no matter the reason for the miracle, no matter how big or how small, Jesus performed it with the same attitude and nonchalance as if He were carrying a box from one room to another. Something was one way; He wanted it to be another way. He made it happen.

He walked on water, as though He were walking down the street. He commanded a storm to be still as if telling His dog to "sit. Stay." He can do that. He created the water, and the storm.

I think we often feel as though a miracle ought to be accompanied by fanfare. As though we have to sing and dance and shout, and announce from on high before God will so much as heal a cataract. Televangelists have an organ playing obnoxiously before dancing down the aisle, raising up a trembling hand, and smacking a troubled audience member while declaring, "Be Healed!"

Jesus spat in some mud, smeared it on some guy's eye and told him to wash his face (John 9:1-7).

Very often, when we look for miracles at the hand of the God of the Universe, we're looking for some big announcement: Hey, look! I'm performing a miracle over here! Thunder! Lightning!

But the Jesus of the Bible just says, "Get up and walk." (Luke 5:22-24)

The truth is, when we look for the mighty miracles, for the trumpets to sound and a voice to come over the wind, we miss the every-day miracles. And when we miss the miraculous in the every day, we also miss the chance to be a part of a miracle ourselves.

(Coming up tomorrow... "Who brought the Fish" -- how God uses us to perform His great works)