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In Need of a Miracle-April 13, 2020

Yes, we need a miracle. But, we know the Miracle Worker.

Monday Morning Devotion-April 13, 2020

 

In Need of a Miracle

 

Jesus did many other things as well.  If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world not have room for the books that would be written.    John 21:25

 

            With a deadly virus stalking the world and no true antidote as yet developed are we

 

standing in need of a miracle?  Yes, we are.  This is not a movie script in which events in the plot

 

can be manipulated by a screenwriter piling catastrophe on top of catastrophe until the audience

 

begins to lose hope.  Then, with a masterstroke of creativity he surprises the viewers with a

 

dramatic ending that leaves them satisfied and happy that they spent time watching the movie.

 

            We are hoping for a happy ending to this worldwide crisis.  But, the outcome we long for 

 

is not easily reached.  It requires a miraculous turn of events.  There is only one Miracle Worker

 

who can achieve that end.  His record of miracle-working is well-documented and flawless.

 

There are 34 of His miracles recorded in the Gospels and those are not the only ones.   As Mark

 

Batterson says: "There are countless other miracles that didn't make the SportsCenter Top Ten.

            In fact, John puts it this way: "There are so many that if they were all written down there wouldn't be enough books in the whole world to hold them all."

            His name is Jesus!

            Batterson points out that there were four words that challenged Jesus to step into His destiny.  Those four words were:

            "They have no wine."

            Hmm!  Where have I heard those words before?

            Those words were told by Mary to Jesus in order to get Him to perform his first miracle---the one where he changed the water into wine at the wedding party.  It seems like Jesus, while being respectful of his mother was reluctant to do this.

            John 2: "Dear woman why do you involve me?" Jesus replied.  "My time has not yet come.  His mother said to the servants do whatever he tells you."

            That's a scene that plays out over and over isn't it?  Well, not exactly the same, but Moms have a knack of getting their way when they want something done don't they?  But usually it is something positive, not harmful that they want done.

            Besides that, how did Mary know Jesus could solve this problem?  There certainly wasn't a Publix or Winn Dixie store nearby where He and the disciples could go purchase some wine.  There is no record of her having talked with her son about his being capable of solving this problem or having the power to rectify it in a miraculous way.  It was considered a social blunder to run out of wine at a wedding party.  So, how was this Jesus' problem?  He was an invited guest, probably because His mother was friends with that family.

            The Quest Study Bible addresses this sticky situation.  Jesus was not rude to his Mother and she was understanding of his situation:

            "Was Jesus being rude to His Mother?  No. His words, dear woman, showed his love and respect.  Jesus was reminding her that it was not time for people to know his true identity.  Her reply and her directions to the servants indicate that she understood His desire to keep his identity secret and she trusted His sense of timing." 

            As the story goes, Jesus performed his first miracle.  There were six stone jars that would hold 20 to 30 gallons each.  He had them fill each jar with water and when they drew some out to take to their master it was wine.  In fact, the bridegroom raved about how good it was saying that its quality was usually found in the first jars of wine served (apparently these parties went on and on).  The idea was wine of lesser quality would be served after the guests had a few glasses and wouldn't be able to tell the difference at that point.

            That's how God works.  And as Batterson says: "The problem with God is that God is so good at what He does that we take it for granted."  Often we don't really recognize the moment-to-moment miracles that are all around us."

            It's only in a time like this when some of those taken-for-granted miracles start disappearing that we say, "Hey, what's happening now?  We've always been able to go wherever we want to.  Social distancing, what's that?  No parties or get-togethers with our friends?  What do you mean the grocery stores are running out of toilet paper, hand soap and hand sanitizer?"  These are certainly times that we have not experienced before.

            When will things get back to normal?  What will normal look like?  Will life ever be the same as before?  Who will still be around?

            These are deep, disturbing questions that we all have in the back of our minds.  Can we keep our focus on the Lord and continue to grow spiritually?  Keeping the faith in trying times is important.

            Batterson says that: "Half of spiritual growth is learning what we don't know.  The other half is unlearning what we do know.  And it is the failure to unlearn irrational fears and misconceptions that keeps us from becoming who God wants us to be." 

            To deal with these difficult times maybe we need to unlearn what it was like before and deal with the way it is now.  For me part of that is dealing with "no sports."  A lot of my life

revolved around sports.  I was involved in sports in every season of the year as a journalist and as a fan.  Sports were a part of my life as long as I can remember.  And now, cold turkey, there are no sports.

            I realize that physical health, financial well-being, family, friends, and a whole bunch of things make the loss of sports seem like a lesser worry.  Times are hard for everyone.  And yes, Mark Batterson, we are being required to unlearn some things we took for granted. Things we thought we knew. 

            Now is the time to be thankful for what we do have.  To keep the faith.  Pray hard. Be kind and thoughtful of others.

            And keep in mind that "yes we do need a miracle."  We are thankful that we are on the team captained by the Greatest Miracle-Worker of all time.  And that's something we don't have to unlearn.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, you are the unparalleled Miracle Worker and we need a miracle.

Thank you for hearing our prayers.   Amen!

             

           

           

 

 

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