What would you say is a “miracle”? Is it simply something that happened which was unexpected or a big surprise or an event you didn’t think would be possible or causes you to stand in awe and wonder? The dictionary says a miracle is “an event that appears unexplainable by the laws of nature and so is held to be supernatural in origin or an act of God.” Another way of looking at a miracle is that it is the intervention of God in the normal course of nature at exactly the right moment in order to accomplish His purposes or to display His own power and glory.
How many miracles do you think Mark described in his short Gospel? He was focused in his action packed writing to make sure the readers would grasp that Jesus had power and authority over nature, disease, death and evil. He wanted the Romans to see and know Jesus for who He really was. As one reads about these miracles which drew crowds of people to Jesus wherever He went, you realize they also threatened the established leaders of the Jewish community. Rather than stand in amazement and respond with curiosity and sincere questions, they responded defensively with hostility and jealousy. Did that stop Jesus? Did it cause Him to respond with aggression? As you look at Mark 3, it is clear that while Jesus certainly felt deeply about his opponents, he also carefully posed questions, told stories and always spoke truthfully to them in order to make His identity and mission clear.
Do you believe Jesus’ is still doing miracles today? I do. As the songwriter so beautifully expressed it, “It took a miracle to put the stars in place. It took a miracle to hang the world in space. But when He saved my soul, cleansed and made me whole, it took a miracle of love and grace.” Keep your eyes open. Keep your mind alert. God is still at work accomplishing His purposes and displaying His power and glory – often when you least expect it.