Luke Chapter 16: Verses 27-31 (NIV-UK)
‘He answered, “Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.”
‘Abraham replied, “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.”
‘“No, father Abraham,” he said, “but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.”
‘He said to him, “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”’
John Chapter 20: Verse 29 (NIV-UK)
Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’
The rich man asked for a sign to be sent to his family in order that they would change their ways and turn to God. But he was reminded that the way to live was already set out in what we now know as the Old Testament. People who look for signs and wonders may not be looking to change their lives. They may just be thrill seekers. Jesus rebuked the scribes and Pharisees on more than one occasion for looking for a sign. He had already performed many miracles and their hearts remained hard. Today there are people who go about trying all sorts of experiences and thrills because they like the rush of emotion that these things bring. But such experiences don’t always change their lives. In church too, I have over the years encountered people who move from church to church seeking signs and wonders, hoping to experience the miraculous. They are not necessarily looking for God to change their lives, and they often never settle. That’s really sad. There are others who are not Christians who say they will believe God if they see a miracle. But often they refuse to accept that what’s written in the Bible is true. In such cases, even the evidence of the miraculous is unlikely to change their lives.
The truth about God is found in the Bible which is the inspired word of God. If we don’t accept that its teaching is the way we should be living our lives then it’s unlikely that we will change our lives just because we have seen a miraculous sign. I do believe in miracles. I believe they happen today, and I have seen God’s hand moving in a miraculous way. But I believe and trust in God because of what is written in His word. It’s teaching from the Bible that makes me take stock and change my behaviour when I need to. Miracles and signs are given to us in order that we get a glimpse of who God is, and give Him the glory and praise that is His right. But it’s the word of God that will change our lives, if we apply it.
Dear Lord,
I’m grateful for the miracle of Jesus’ rising from the dead. I wasn’t there when it took place, but I believe and trust that it happened as the evidence of my restoration as a child of God. I have also rejoiced on more than one occasion when Your hand has moved in a miraculous way, confirming who You are and reminding me of Your awesome power. But I’m also grateful that believing and acting on the truth of Your Word will continue to change my life and make me more like Jesus. And that’s the most important thing of all. Amen.