July 30, 2018 Monday

“42  Then a man came from Baal Shalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley bread, and newly ripened grain in his knapsack. And he said, “Give it to the people, that they may eat.” 43  But his servant said, “What? Shall I set this before one hundred men?” He said again, “Give it to the people, that they may eat; for thus says the LORD: ‘They shall eat and have some left over.’ ” 44  So he set it before them; and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD.” (2Kings 4:42-44 NKJV)

            There seems to be a cycle of not only miracles but also doubters who cannot see beyond what they have at hand.  Thomas Jefferson created his own bible cutting out all of the miracles God’s and missed seeing God’s blessings!  Even we who profess faith in Jesus struggle with the miracles we see in the Bible. 

            It is interesting in some of the stories of God feeding the multitudes there is an offering which seems much too small and to the servants or disciples to be ridiculous!  How can God take some loaves and grain or a few loaves and fishes to feed so many in need?  It may help us to understand their concern since they would be the ones handing out the food and facing those who did not get food if it ran out!

            By being obedient to God’s call many people are fed physically but those who serve are nourished spiritually!  Beginning with a tiny amount they end up with more than they started with!  Faith multiplies as the food does!

            It is interesting that many of the miracles we see in the Bible are miracles of time.  God everyday provides grain, bread, fish and all we need to be nourished and fed.  But in these miracles see God in seconds providing what God usually provides over months!  The grains would grow, the fish reproduce and grapes would grow to be turned into wine!

            These miracles of time are a reminder the Everlasting God is beyond time and holds our lives and time.  God not only provides for us within time but also provides us with time itself!

            These miracles of time also crush our pretence of self sufficiency and provision.  All we have, even our own lives are a gift of God.  We are God’s possession because God created us!  If you are a Christian you have been “purchased by blood” and so you are doubly a possession of God.  Indeed the greatest miracle you will ever see is God saving you from sin and giving you a new life!

            What miracles have you seen?  What miracles have you experienced?  What part do miracles play in the world and in your life?