Sometimes, we tend to take the Bible too literally. We forget that when Jesus spoke to His listeners He used the idiom and phrases commonly used at the time.
In Britain there’s a saying “Keep your hair on”, which means calm down, don’t get so excited and worked up, relax a little.
It would be wrong if 2000 years from now that saying were interpreted to mean an adverse comment on male baldness.
When Jesus referred to moving a hill He did not mean it literally. Miracles are not magic tricks, and the Holy Spirit, for it is He who performs miracles, not the disciples, and certainly not us – the Holy Spirit would not perform a miracle for no purpose.
In this context, the disciples had failed to drive out a demon from a young child. They asked Jesus why they had failed.
Jesus taught them, and us, that a pre-requisite to performing miracles is to have Faith in Him, in God, and in the Holy Spirit.
And yes … miracles do happen in this day and age, today even.
The problem is that we are too un-willing to believe.
Well said. It is much easier for us to find natural causes for the work of God than supernatural -- probably one reason so few real miracles occur . . our lack of faith in them. I know that might sound convoluted reasoning . . . but God has said repeatedly, He brings to naught the reasonings of the wise.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rich for visiting me again.
DeleteBecause of advancements in science and almost all other spheres in life, and because of increasing materialism, people these days are less willing to believe in miracles or even in the existance of God Himself. Humanity's focus has turned upon itself rather than on the things above.
God bless.
Hi Victor! Thank you for this wonderful clarification of the Scripture passage. I'm sure that there are many, many people wondering if they should be moving mountains, or having trees jump into the sea? No. They should live in faith. Pray in faith. Love with faith.
ReplyDeleteSuch wisdom here!
Ceil
Too true Ceil. The point that Jesus was making here is that we should have Faith; maybe as little as a mustard seed, but it's a start.
DeleteAll Christ's miracles were performed for the benefit of others; whether it was a healing or raising someone from the dead. He did not perform miracles just for show. When He walked on water, or calmed the sea, it was to teach His disciples about Faith. Even though they were daily close to Him; they still did not understand or perhaps truely believe. It was not until the Holy Spirit descended upon them that they finally understood and began their missions.
God bless you Ceil.
Faith is such a precious commodity these days Victor, the whole world seems intended to keep us from believing in miracles.
ReplyDeleteWishing (from Brussels) for you and your loved ones a peaceful Sunday,
It's great to see you visiting me from Brussels Noelle. Thank you. Now you're in Europe the internet cable from you to me is much shorter; so I hope to see you visiting often.
DeleteGod bless you and your family; and may you witness many miracles.
Good point Victor! I often think about what society would think of some of our phrases 2000 years from now. One that always makes me laugh is the US phrase "That is the bomb", which means something is really great. That phrase is a bit out of date now, but if someone read it 2000 years from now they would be questioning how a delicious pizza could create an explosion.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you.
Thank you again Michael for your visit. I hope you are keeping well. Haven't seen you around lately.
DeleteChrist spoke in parables for the people of His time so that they may understand Him. We often lose a lot in translation.
God bless you.
I needed this today. It's been a wrong week here in America and in our family. Too lengthy to put here but my heart is broken, stomped, crushed. Anyway, thanks. HE chose you to tell me something I needed to remember. God always reaches out to us in any way we'll listen. Have a blessed day. ~:)
ReplyDelete**Opps ... not "wrong" but "long". Faux Pas R Us. *giggle*
ReplyDeleteRemember Sparky. When things go wrong, God is by your side.
DeletePraying for you and yours.
God bless.