“Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.” Acts 5:12–16
This text speaks of “signs and wonders,” but another word for these occurrences is miracles.
A miracle is an act of God by which he sets aside the rules of what normally happens and does something very different for the sake of his glory. Do you believe God can perform miracles? Most Christians would say they do.
God loves to perform miracles by the power of his Spirit to help people believe in him.
If someone believes in the Bible, it would be hard for that person to not affirm miracles, because the Bible is full of stories about them. Jesus performed many miracles while he was on this earth, and his first followers did many as well.
But do you know why God loves to perform miracles through his people from time to time? The answer might have something to do with Jesus’ return, which we talked about a few weeks ago. When Jesus returns, he will fix everything that is broken. There will be no disease, death, or sin.
Jesus and his first followers performed miracles to demonstrate God’s love, but also to foreshadow the perfection and justice we’ll enjoy during this coming age when Jesus returns and reigns. Miracles signal the reality that God’s kingdom has been initiated on earth, reflecting his will to restore all things. Demons are cast aside, the physically broken are restored, and the scary storms are calmed.
Isn’t that cool?
The purpose for miracles is partly to remind us that God is the true God, and only his power can manifest miracles. When Jesus returns, his will on earth will be completely done “as it is in heaven.” Miracles remind us that this day is coming—and hopefully soon.
Read
The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,
and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together;
and a little child shall lead them.
7 The cow and the bear shall graze;
their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra,
and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den.
9 They shall not hurt or destroy
in all my holy mountain;
for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
- Would you say that the events you read about in this text sound miraculous?
- Does this scenario sound good to you?
Prayer
Our Father, thank you that you sometimes break the rules of creation to show us your glory, power, and dominion over the earth. Thank you that you show us your love and restore that which is broken. We long for the day when this will be completely finished and we will live with you forever. Amen.
This devotion is adapted from the Acts Study Guide: Chapters 1–5. Pick up a copy today for only $7.99. The study guide includes an 11-week curriculum with small group studies, group inductive studies, as well as 55 daily devotions for your personal or family worship.
