Short-lived, Supernatural Phenomena
5/24 Reading Portions: Numbers 33; Psalm 78:1-37; Isaiah 25; 1 John 3
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5/24 Reading Portions: Numbers 33; Psalm 78:1-37; Isaiah 25; 1 John 3
Listen to the audio devotional above, and/or read the written devotional below.
They forgot His works and the wonders that He had shown them. Psalm 78:11
MIRACULOUS
Today, in American Christendom, there is a large sector of folks who emphasize signs and wonders. What they have forgotten, or perhaps never considered, is that the flesh is fickle. Supernatural phenomena are short-lived if Christ is not exalted and the Father is not glorified through Christ’s power and preeminence. God’s miracles mean nothing to the sinner; for they will sin even more and rebel against God with even greater betrayal and treachery (Psa 78:16).
We certainly believe in the God of miracles. In Christ, we recognize that everything is a miracle, for there is nothing that happens apart from His sovereign will and good pleasure. Yet we should also recognize that the manifestation of miracles and appearance of signs and wonders throughout biblical history truly demonstrates the need for God’s sovereign grace to intervene in our lives. God brought ten plagues of judgment upon the gods of Egypt, culminating in the death of the unbelieving firstborn (Num 33:4), and moreover, God brought Israel through the Red Sea (Num 33:8), destroying Pharaoh’s mighty army (Ex 14:27), yet, the Israelites couldn’t wait to worship a golden calf (Ex 32:1).
The greatest work, the greatest miracle, the greatest wonder God has brought forth upon the planet was the incarnation of Jesus Christ. God became a flesh and bone, perfect Man with untainted blood because Jesus was born of a virgin. He lived the sinless, upright life that you and I can’t possible live. Jesus’ every thought, word, and deed was glorious and pleasing to the heavenly Father. Jesus bore our sins, suffered God’s wrath, died when the debt was paid in full, and shed His blood for the forgiveness of sins. Then He rose from the dead and sent the Holy Spirit with the promise He’d return. Christ Jesus is the great Miracle of God! Let us pray that, by God’s grace, we never forget it.
Miracles will come and go,
Yet, Christ’s words will last;
For all He says is truth to know,
It will come to pass.