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---Headlights dance across a busy highway. A van strikes a motorcycle; its rider crashes into the pavement. The van stops but no one emerges. A young lady slams on her brakes and jumps out to help the man, frantically waving at oncoming cars. One races toward them. Leaping out of the way, she hears the man scream, then a crushing sound. The car never stops. But another does, with an emergency room nurse who hurries to the injured man as the young lady continues to divert traffic.---
Do you believe in miracles? That young lady is a good friend. She would deny being incredibly brave or singlehandedly saving that man's life. But she would agree...on one dark morning, she was part of a miracle. Do you think God will ever use you in a miracle or is that just for other people?
How we view the Bible determines how we see ourselves. To the world, it's a history at best. But for us who believe, the Bible is the very Word of God---not an account of deeds in the past, but a revelation of truth for today. When we read this Word, God is speaking directly to you and me in the present!
For example, Jesus said, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.(Matthew 28:20b) Was that only for the Disciples? Did He actually mean, "Everyone else is on their own, but you guys can count on me"? No. These words were intended for Anyone who believes in Jesus. Don't worry. I'm with you, all the time. It's as if He were speaking directly to you. Imagine that.
Another time, Jesus told a desperate father, All things are possible to him who believes (Mark 9:23b). To "him", or a better translation, to Anyone. Not just the father. Do you believe in Jesus? If so, you are that Anyone. Again, it's as if He was speaking to you. Huh.
Then there's Paul. He had all kinds of trials and hardships. He'd been thrown into jail, people tried to kill him. And yet, God moved him to write, I can do all things through [Christ] who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). Paul wasn't bragging. He was speaking truth that applies to Anyone who believes in Jesus. It's as if the words were for you. Know why? Because they were...and are!
During the Last Supper, Jesus spoke of miracles. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. (John 14:11-12)
One early morning, a young lady ran into the darkness as cars drove about, warned all who would heed her, and returned to face that deadly traffic even after almost being hit. She is not superhuman. She did all these things because of Christ who gave her the strength.
Imagine telling this to the Disciples. Maneuvering large metal carriages that move on their own. Staring down lights that shine without fire. Seeing a man ride a mechanical...horse. Jesus gave His life to save others. She risked hers to save one. Yet in many ways what she did was beyond the miracles the Disciples had seen. And her story has now been shared around the world.
Oh, that crushing sound? Not the man's legs, but his motorcycle. Though his pelvis was shattered, his legs were moved from the path of the car. The word translated "do" in John 14:12 refers to action, often in concert with another. The young lady was not alone. Immanuel---God with us---was with her.
Who will do what Jesus had been doing and do even greater things? Anyone who has faith in Jesus! You are this Anyone. You are meant to do what Jesus had been doing...to do even greater things. He is speaking to YOU! The question is, do you trust Him to do His miracles through you? |