September 19, 2021

​​A major part of Jesus’ ministry as God and man here on earth was to perform miracles. We all have some sort of idea of what a miracle is, but it is defined as an “unusual, unexpected or surprising event not explained by natural or scientific laws and therefore considered to be from a divine agency.” When we read or hear these stories from the gospel, do we really believe they happened or do we say they are simply a “coincidence”?
Just because miracles cannot be explained by natural laws, it does not mean they are a violation of nature. God and nature are not opposite of each other, but the society we live in today would like us to believe they are opposites. Jesus never worked a miracle to amaze a large group of people, even though they happened (feeding the 5000). He usually performed them with very few people around. So why is that? Jesus did not perform miracles to impress anyone. He was never paid for performing miracles. He did not perform miracles to earn a living.
So then, what exactly is the purpose of miracles, both in Jesus’ day and presently? In my humble opinion, they are to show us God exists in the world – always! Bad things happen in life; that is our human nature, our sinfulness, our brokenness. Jesus wanted everyone to understand then and now that since God created the world, there will be signs every day of God’s presence. Are you open to these signs or is the word “coincidence” a part of your daily vocabulary? Isn’t it great God gives each of us the freedom to decide for ourselves? 

- Deacon Jeff