Simply Miracles

Simply Miracles
A Research on Miracles

Miracles, what are they? The dictionary[1] says a miracle means an extra ordinary events manifesting divine intervention in human affairs. Another definition means an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment. What is a miracle? Do they still happen? Here is a simple explanation of what a miracle is and what it can be?

Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary[2] gives a great break down of the various terms of miracles used in the bible. Both in Old and New Testament, miracles of all types are shown. Some translations of the bible (other than KJV[3]) actual translate the words in to the meaning instead of the word “miracle.”

A miracle can be a “sign”; a sign is to denote a miracle that points to a deeper revelation. Miracles can be signs to simply show us a deeper revelation. In Isaiah 7:11, 14, to Ahaz, God gave a sign of the coming of the Lord. “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” [4] The birth of Jesus, had many signs to show he was the Son of God, the Messiah who they waited for, but when Jesus was older he did not give signs to prove His deity or His messiahship. In fact, he would refuse to work miracles as proofs;[5] he did give evidence/signs to show he was these things. In John 2:11, “This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.” We also see many signs that are miracles, one of the greatest you can see is the gift the Holy Ghost. The evidence of speaking in other tongues, shows that the miracle of the Holy Ghost in the sign of tongues.

Miracles can also be a “wonder” to emphasize the effect of the miracle, causing awe and even terror. Many references to a miracle is the coming of the false prophets to come. False prophets will show signs and wonders, to seduce the people[6]. Miracles that cause wonder are not bad, many of the miracles that the Children of Israel, saw and experience were to teach them to Fear the Lord and have reverence. Miracles do cause us wonders in our lives, many people who saw the miracles for themselves often would marvel and wonder.
They also can be a “work” points to the presence of God in history, acting for mankind. John the Baptist sent two of his disciples to Jesus and asked if he was the one that should come? Jesus responded with telling about his works he had done. “Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receiving their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.”[7] Jesus used many miracles to show the work of the Lord.

In the New Testament, miracles are use the term “power” to emphasize God’s acting in strength. Jesus sent his disciples out give them power to do miracles in his name, including casting out devils and healing the sick in His name. Through the Book of Acts and the New Testament shows many examples of the Apostles doing many powerful miracles; all of these done in the name of Jesus. Acts 4:12, tells us there is no other name under heaven.
These are some specific terms then the more general term “miracle”. In Acts 2:43, is a good example of how these can also overlap in meaning and the word miracle can take on more than one term. “…and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.” Miracles can be a sign to us, it can cause us to wonder, it does a work in our life, and show power all in one miracle.

So the bible is full of many faith lifting stories that show miracles, but how about now. First of all, the bible tells us often to not forget. The Children of Israel were told to not forget about the miracles that happen in Egypt, the Jews still celebrate the Passover to this day. Referring to the bible for example of miracles can uplift to ones faith. Hebrews 13:8 says “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” If he was the same in Bible times then he is the same today and he will be the same in the days to come.

Miracles are everywhere; some are common place things that we have accepted as normal. Through the eyes of a child, the simplest things are miracles. The miracle of a simple flower blooming overnight, the amazing way a bird can fly or simple understanding of their favorite bible story. By seeing miracles in everyday life and accepting the truths, children have the most faith in seeing more miraculous miracles. Jesus says that we need to be like children in order to come in to the kingdom of heaven.[8] Having simple faith in believing and seeing miracles in everyday life, if we can see miracles in everyday life then we can have the faith to see larger miracles in our life.

Even the most intelligent scientist can’t explain certain miracles in this life. When they do they only show ignorance. Look at the bumblebee, according to scientist bumblebee should not fly. Its fat little body should not be held up by it little bitty wings yet the bumblebee is a miracle every time it flies from flower to flower. Any scientist who searches long enough with an open mind can see that the details of this world are so complex, it can’t just happen. The world is a miracle in itself.

If we don’t see a miracle, does it still make it a miracle? C.S. Lewis said, “That one cannot believe a miracle occurred if one had already drawn a conclusion in one’s mind that miracles are not possible at all.” If we don’t open our eyes to the possibility of a miracle we will not see them. A great Christian is often heard saying, “I have never seen a great miracle happen before my eyes.” The same person has also have heard saying, “I don’t believe miracles like in the bible days still happen.” If this person could not see the miracles in the everyday life, how can he see a larger miracle? He would often explain away miracles of others by saying that God would move upon another to be generous when it came to a financial miracle or a food blessing. Having the faith to see small miracles cause us to have faith to see the larger miracles in our lives, otherwise we will simply explain away those miracles also. A miracle will be a miracle, whether those around choose to believe it or not.

Miracles are daily occurrences, the rising sun and perfect harmony of this earth. Miracles are in the birth of a child and the death of a saint. Miracles can be all different kinds they can be in the form of a simple gesture by another, financial blessings. Miracles can come in the form of food. Miracles may not come till much later. Other times God does miracles that were not what we thought we needed but exactly perfect for us. Miracles come to us in many different ways, from an unknown giver to a church body. Miracles can be as small as a hug from a child or the smile from a stranger. Miracles can be the squeeze of the hand brain dead family member to the sprouts of hair from a cancer patient. Miracles can be quick brought on by call in the name of Jesus right before a possible car accident. Other can be from years and years of prayer. Miracles can be the healing of a broken heart or the mending of a family. One of the most important miracles is the miracle of the Salvation. Miracles are everywhere if we choose to see them.

I try to think of a miracle in my life for this project, but I had so many. As I thought back, I thought of miracles that have happen. Ones that were small, others that were large, we don’t have a lot of faith just a grain of faith to for a miracle to happen. To pick just one miracle to talk about, well I couldn’t think of just one, there were just too many miracles in my life.

[1]*All bible references are from The King James Version, unless other noted.*
[1]Merriam-Webster.com
[2]Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary
[3]The King James Version
[4] Isaiah 7:14; KJV
[5] Reference Mark 3:23-30; Luke 11:29-32
[6] Paraphrased Mark 13:22
[7] Matthew 11: 1-5; Quoted Matthew 11:4b-5; KJV
[8] Paraphrasing Matthew 19:14

Research paper I put together for C.A.M.P. Please let me know what you think!