adminPastor Ocean Hamandishe
The exaltation of miracles has gone to the extremes such that people are now confused if these miracles are now reason of going to church. Some people wonder whether worshipping God without receiving miracles counted as faith or you are labelled weak in faith.
Those who lead congregation (the men of God) are competing for a space to demonstrate power in the form of miracles. While it is a true that God performs miracles, the church in Zimbabwe saw a recycle of members from one church to another, not necessarily in search of truth but looking for miracles.
Before I expound on this topic, I would like readers to know that I am a firm believer of miracles.
If God can no longer perform miracles through his servants then the Bible is lying and God can not be God without these supernatural manifestations. We are now living in world of mixture of truth and lie, genuine and fake; nevertheless we should not throw the towel together with water.
However, the question that many are asking out there is “when should a miracle happen and why? The bible says “my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” Hosea 4 vs 6.
It is the lack of Knowledge that is now causing confusion and misconception on how miracles are received both with believers and none believers.
The extremes and questionable miracles that are performed by “some” man of God raised debates in the community, with questions like ‘why these miracles are performed and for what purpose?’ The sad side in religious circle is how the church is now taking miracles as a centre stage of worship.
We are advised in the (Bible) word of God to worship the creator. Focusing on the benefits rather than the giver of the benefits has misrepresented God to the world as a luck charm.
Some people are no longer converted by conviction of the gospel of the cross that Jesus Christ died for sinners and need salvation, but are lured by the gospel of miracles.
It seems that Jehovah is now a God who should be worshipped in order for one to receive what he desires. Matthew 6:33 says But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. This scripture is no longer a favourite of many as people chase after miracles.
There is also misrepresentation of the gospel of miracles that needs a correction through the checks and balance, the Bible being the measure and the standard to all who profess to be Christians. It is within this background that this writer try to address some grey areas that should be cleaned out as far as the miracles are concerned.
Let us look on what is a miracle. Although we have other terms like signs & wonders in the category of miracles. I shall use the word miracle that is common for the benefit of all readers. Miracles are performed to meet the needs of people supernaturally when all the natural means can not. A miracle is a supernatural event when God divinely intervene in human affairs beyond the natural .Few examples of miracles that were performed by Jesus Christ in the Bible will help explain why miracles should happen, not as a mere demonstration of the power of God or to prove that one is anointed.
Jesus never performed miracles for a mere show off, although in some cases he did it to reveal God `s power, He always performed when there was a genuine reason & need. In his time people did not gather around to cheer him up as if people were watching football or some sort of a game.
They gathered because his teaching and works were reflecting the real power of God. Every miracle he performed left people glorifying God.
Of course like today, doubting Thomases were always there including some strong opposition from the Pharisees. However, his was a duty from heaven than a mere show off. When Jesus performed miracles, he was moved by faith of people than building fame.
Let us check through scripture how some of the miracles where performed and why?
Matthew 14:13 “When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. 14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. 15 And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. 16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. 17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. 18 He said, Bring them hither to me. 19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. 22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. . . .32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. (JKV Also John 6:5-14)
According to the above scripture Jesus performed the miracle out of compassion and need that was there. He did not just multiplied the bread and fish to show that he possess the heavenly powers.
There are things to note here: According to the gospel of John:
Their money was not even enough to feed the multitudes that were following him.
It was impossible to cook for the people who were hungry far away from their homes.
The day was already gone and it was a desert place where nothing can be found.
The only thing that was left was to perform a miracle in order to meet the needs; in this case food was the need. It is different with someone who can stand before a congregation and announces that he want to multiply bread for them to eat, to prove what and to meet which need. It can make sense if someone did this to some war torn nations where people are struggling to have food. Could it not a miracle to Somali refugees or other hunger stricken areas?
Pastor Ocean Hamandishe is the Senior Pastor of Christian Walk Ministries. He oversees Churches in Zimbabwe & Mozambique. He holds a Diploma, B A in Theology and Master of Christian Counselling. He Can be contacted on +263 -772 602 471/ or [email protected]
Online Reporter