[Day 166]
Matthew 13.57-58
But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honour except in his hometown and in his household.” And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief
A small miracle happens. The whole church gets excited. Emails wiz around and other churches get excited too. It proves, we argue, that God still acts today in miraculous ways.
But maybe we come to the whole area of miracles from the wrong way. Absolutely, miracles are a sure sign that God is involved in our lives. And certainly, miracles are to be rejoiced at and are literally marvellous things. However, these verses don’t say, “And there were no miracles because of their unbelief.” Instead, it says, “And He did not do many miracles there …”
Instead of rejoicing at the few miracles that do happen today, maybe the paucity of miracles should be a cause for alarm. Now, I’m not saying that we must have miracles in order to believe (John 4.48). Rather, that miracles were and are a sign that the God’s kingdom is at hand and that the reality of His eternal love and grace are greater than the momentary pain of sickness and ill health. I also don’t want to negate the faith of those who have prayed long and hard through their own illness seemingly without any sign of success. And I recognise that some illness and disease will only be healed in heaven itself.
Having said that, I’m again drawn to the words in these verses. “And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.” Let’s not get complacent when we see a scattering of miracles and think that that is all that the Lord is capable of doing. And let’s not allow our unbelief or the unbelief of others prevent the Lord from pouring out an abundance of miracles, a season of open heaven, where His grace and His love pour down and in and through us to the whole of creation.
When we see small miracles happen, let’s give God the glory and allow Him to stretch our belief that nothing is impossible for Him and that He delights and longs for creation to be as He intended it from the beginning of time – perfect and pleasing in His sight and for His glory.
What is God saying?
I believe that God is saying:
Extend your vision of God – and He infinitely larger still
