Miracle stories
The seventy-two men came back in great joy, ‘Lord,’ they said, ‘even the demons obeyed us when we gave them a command in your name!’
Jesus answered them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Listen! I have given you authority, so that you can walk on snakes and scorpions and overcome all power of the Enemy, and nothing will hurt you. But don’t be glad because the evil spirits obey you; rather be glad because your names are written in heaven.’ (verses 17-20)
Read Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
I am often amazed at the stories of miracles. The internet has made it possible for anyone to share their wonderful experiences of God with thousands of people around the world. Hardly a week goes by without me receiving one of these feelgood type stories on my computer.
The danger is that I can start to resent the fact that amazing things don’t seem to happen in my life. We see loved ones in desperate need of a miracle that never comes. Of course God never said that we would be immune to poison, or cancer, or suffering. It’s good to share stories of miracles, but it’s wrong to think that this is what we’re out to get. Yes, God does perform miracles in order to save us—but that’s just the point. God doesn’t save us from snakes and scorpions so we can live happily on earth. He wants to save us so we can live happily with him in heaven.
The miracles we see on earth are just a poor reflection of heaven. Rejoice in God’s work on earth, because you will one day see greater things in heaven.
Dear Jesus, my Saviour, thank you for saving me. Amen.
by Jörg Ernst, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)
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