GOD’S MIRACLES HAVE GREAT PURPOSE
When Abraham offered up his son, Isaac, it revealed Abraham’s obedience to God. In confidence, he said: “My son, God will provide Himself the lamb for a burnt offering” (Genesis 22:7 NKJV). God did provide a ram for sacrifice instead of Isaac. Yet, this had greater purpose. It was also a prophecy of Jesus, who came as our sacrifice.
Many times when miracles are manifested in answer to our prayers, we offer thanks to God and move to our next request. A simple thanks to God may not reveal the greater purposes of God. There is a possibility that God's purposes for miracles are not worked out because we limit them to answered prayer. Miracles can impact the lives of many in various ways. We see a few of these purposes in the following examples:
- The request of a leper to be healed. Jesus “put out His hand and touched him saying, ‘I am willing; be cleaned’” (Luke 5:13). The cleansed leper was told to show himself to the priest as a testimony to them. After the death and resurrections of Jesus Christ “a great number of the priests were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7b).
- A paralyzed man was brought to Jesus for healing. Jesus forgave the man his sins and healed him” (Luke 5:17-25). Several purposes were revealed because of this miracle.
- It revealed to the Scribes and Pharisees that Jesus, the Son of Man, had the power on earth to forgive sins.
- God received glory from the healed man and those that witnessed it.
- On a Sabbath day, Jesus healed the withered hand of a man in the synagogue. Instead of praising God, the religious leaders watched, were full of rage, and discussed how they would kill Jesus (Luke 6:6-12). The hearts of these men were tested and they were found to be hypocrites! We must allow the sovereignty of God to surpass our understanding.
- Jesus and his disciples walked into Nain and Jesus restored the only son of a widow back to life (Luke 7:11-17). The long range effect is that we believe in our resurrection (1 Corinthians 15). God moves on multiple levels with His purposes. Jesus was recognized as a great prophet.
- We see the compassion of Jesus.
- The fear of God came upon all.
- The people glorified God.
- It revealed that God had visited His people.
- This report about Jesus went throughout all Judea and the surrounding region.
ALLOW GOD TO REVEAL HIS PURPOSE IN YOUR ANSWERS!