Jesus Beyond Human Understanding
OPENING PRAYER:
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) We ask you, Lord, to use us to help advance your kingdom in Jesus’ name.
After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, ‘Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.’” John 6:14 (NIV)
REFLECT:
Throughout history, people have written books, have recounted stories, and have even gossiped – all trying to answer the question of ‘who was Jesus?’ His life was the demonstration of the miraculous and feeding the 5,000 was no small feat. He healed many people who were afflicted with disease, gave sight to the blind, turned water into wine and performed a host of other miracles in his lifetime. Then after his resurrection, he appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus and turned a staunch Jewish Pharisee into a born-again believer! He continues to do great miracles today through the power of the Holy Spirit.
When you look back through your own life, how many times can you see the miraculous power of God working through it? I was in an auto accident in high school that should have taken my life. I had no money but somehow was able to attend a private Christian university, graduating debt-free. My children have each had brushes with death, but by the grace of God, they were spared. I went from working a 60 hour a week retail position to become a CPA, long after graduating from college, moving into a great job that has provided for me and my family abundantly over the years. The list really does go on. I would guess your list would be quite lengthy as well if you took time to inventory all the miracles of God in your life.
APPLY:
We recognize that Jesus performed many miracles in the Bible. Most of us would also acknowledge that we ourselves have enjoyed many miracles over the years through the hand of God. But it should not stop there. If we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth, his miracle-working power is still present. John 14:12 (NIV) says, “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. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the father.” Do we shy away from the miraculous? Do we cringe at the thought of doing something miraculous through Christ or do we embrace that possibility? No matter what God has for us to do, he is looking for a people willing to be obedient to him – no matter what the ask is. Pray as Peter and John did in Acts 4! “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness,” Acts 4:29 (NIV).
CLOSING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father give us confidence, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him,” I John 5:14-15 (NIV). Amen.
WORSHIP: